loosa character counci
Congratulations to our 2009 Character First! Essay Contest winner Ms. Laura Metcalf! Click here to read the winning essay. 2009 CHARACTER FIRST ESSAY CONTEST Background: The purpose of the Tuscaloosa Character Council is to strengthen our citizens, their families, and the community at large by promoting excellence in character. The work of this organization is coordinated by an Executive Director and a Board of Directors which represent various sectors of the community: business, faith, education, government, law enforcement, family, and media. A vibrant network of community leaders and volunteers have participated in Character First trainings conducted by the nationally known Character Training Institute in association with the Tuscaloosa Character Council in an effort to promote good character in all facets of community life: the individual citizen, the workplace, the family unit, the educational system, the neighborhood, and the vast array of services and programs associated with each of these. Also, the Character First, Education! curriculum is currently implemented in almost every elementary school in the Tuscaloosa City and County systems, with some high schools involving students in character education through opportunities to serve as mentors and character coaches for younger students. In 2007, the Character First, Education! middle school curriculum was piloted with plans for future expansion. And, this year has seen the curriculum extend into our high schools. Essay Focus: In 2007, the Tuscaloosa Character Council established the first Character First Essay Contest which targets the Character First Program’s 49 character qualities for success. For reference, the official website at www.characterfirst.com lists these character qualities. This competition is open to any high school senior in the Tuscaloosa City or County area. Postmark Deadline: Friday, April 3, 2009 Guidelines: 1) Entries must reflect the theme of at least one of the 49 2) Submissions must be in English. 3) Submissions must be the original work of only one entrant. 4) Entrants are limited to the submission of only one essay. 5) Essays must be 3 pages, type-written (12 pt. font), MLA 6) References used in composing the essays must be cited if 7) Each entrant must send three (3) copies of his/her essay Names are not to appear on the three essays, only on the 8) Essays will not be returned; please do not send your only 9) Submissions must be postmarked or hand-delivered no later 10) The winner will be contacted and announced on April 20 with 11) Essays should be mailed/delivered to: 12) The decision of the judges is final.
Sponsored by: The Tuscaloosa Character Council
Contact Person: Jerry Lake, Executive Director, Tuscaloosa Character Council
3200 Rice Mine Road, N.E.,
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Phone - (205) 248-1230
Award: $500.00 cash
Judging Criteria: 1) Overall impact
2) Effectiveness in conveying theme
3) Originality
4) Grammar/sentence structure
5) Written/submitted according to essay guidelines listed
below
6) The decision of the three official judges is final.
character qualities listed on the website (select
"free downloads"). Essays may address
personal experiences such as how one was impacted
by the selecte quality(ies), the importance of the selected
quality (ies) in daily life, etc.
format, and double-spaced.
information comes from sources other than the previously
mentioned website.
with a cover sheet listing the following information: Name,
Home Address, School, and Contact Numbers (Phone & e-
mail, if applicable)
cover sheet. The contest will be judged anonymously.
copies.
than 4:00 P.M. on Friday, April 3, 2009. E-mailed or faxed
submissions will not be accepted.
the cash prize awarded at an appropriate time in May 2009.
Mr. Jerry Lake
Executive Director
Tuscaloosa Character Council
3200 Rice Mine Road, N.E.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406