81
Total Students Recieved Prizes
39,000
Total in cash prizes
20+
Years of experience
Students
We invite you to open this door to your future as we kick off the 2022 contest. This competition is centered on bestselling author, Jim Owen’s “Ten Principles to Live By,” as highlighted in his book Cowboy Ethics. Every high school and homeschool student is invited to participate in grades 9-12 to reflect on the ten principles and write an essay based on their own personal beliefs or guiding forces.
High School students could win more than $5,000 in prizes during the ADEC Essay Contest.
Call Cece Tolin @ 307.235.4079
Student Guidelines
1. Must be attending high school in the state of Wyoming, or a high school homeschooler participating through the Homeschool Organization of Wyoming (HOW), or through a participating Boys & Girls Clubs in the state of Wyoming.
2. All participants must have a teacher sponsor/educator to guide them through the writing process. If you wish to participate, but do not have a teacher sponsor, please contact contest coordinator, Cece Tolin at 307.235.4079 or adec@bgccw.org.
3. All winners will be announced at the Awards Luncheon on April 10, 2022 in Casper, Wyoming.
1. Essays must be original and inspired by the writing prompt.
2. Essays must be titled and between 300-2,000 words in length.
3. Essays must be typed and double-spaced.
4. Local first place winners must submit a photograph of themselves along with their winning essay in order to be honored at the Awards Banquet. The photo will be published in The American Dream Essay Contest booklet.
Prizes are substantial for this contest, and each participating high school is guaranteed at least 3 winners at the local level for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Local High School Winners:
1st $300
2nd $200
3rd $100
State High School Winners:
1st $5,000
2nd $3,000
3rd $2,000
● Additionally, each Local High School 1st Place Winner will receive one free night stay at the
As you reflect on your life so far, describe how one of the “Ten Principles to Live By,” or your own personal ethical belief, has been a driving or guiding force in your life. Whether a part of your internal guidance from within, the decisions you make every day, or how they inspire the decisions you make for the benefit of your future, define ‘what it means to me’ in 300-2,000 words.
Essays will be judged primarily on content (Is the essay based on the Principles above? Does the essay show a respect for life and people? Would most people agree that this is an important law of life?) Presentation is also considered (compelling, flow, and clarity). Grammar, usage and conventions will also be considered but should not weigh heavily on how they rank.
