2024 Writing Contest Winners
The Poetry Category
1st Place - “Never Without the Other” by Liliana Larsen
2nd Place - “An Exaltation of Larks” by Alice Woodbury
3rd Place - “Together We Rise” by Abigail Taylor
Honorable Mention (Poetry) - “Together We Rise” by Madi Morton
The Essay Category
1st Place - “The Spirits Who Rise Beyond Today” by Rachel Rushforth
2nd Place - “Rising to Discipleship” by Victoria Morriss
Writing Contest Guidelines
This Spirit Week's Writing Contest consisted of two categories: Essay and Poem. Participants were only allowed to submit one entry for the entire Writing Contest. Prizes for each category go as follows:
- 1st Place - $75
- 2nd Place - $50
- 3rd Place - $25
The deadline to submit entries was September 30th.
Writing Contest Prompt
This year’s Spirit Week theme “Together We Rise” highlights the unique Spirit found at BYU-Idaho. Former President Steven D. Bennion described Ricks College, now BYU-Idaho, as “a unique school where a spirit of teamwork and cooperation is a hallmark.” At BYU-Idaho, it is easy to recognize the spirit of friendliness, caring, and unity as we strive daily to be like Christ as we love, lift, serve, strengthen, and forgive one another. As we come together as students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university, we can follow in His steps, be His hands, and help His institution fulfill its inspired mission and purpose. Together We Rise!
Below are some questions that may help you with your submission.
- How have you been impacted by others’ efforts to lift, serve, strengthen, and forgive or vice versa?
- How have you seen how we are helping each other “RISE” at BYU-Idaho!
- How are you and BYU-Idaho “Rising” in terms of quality education, student experience, career preparation, leadership experiences, etc.?
Criteria
All Essays should be between 300-800 words.
Essays must have a cover page with the following information: essay title, name, phone number, major/department, class, and submission type: alumni, student, or employee.
Header Examples
Grading Rubric
| Element |
4 Excellent |
3 Good |
2 Fair |
1 Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theme | Thoroughly develops the theme and stays true to the purpose | Mostly develops the theme. Stays true to the purpose | Deviates slightly from the theme. Strays from purpose. | Does not develop the theme. Purpose is not present. |
| Flow | Well-built structure. Easy to follow from beginning to end. | Well-built structure. Mostly easy and to follow. | Average structure. May be hard to follow at times. | Poorly built structure. Hard to follow. |
| Mechanics | Contains few, if any, grammatical errors. These errors do not interfere with essay. | Contains some grammatical errors. These errors do not interfere with essay. | Contains many grammatical errors. These errors may interfere with essay. | Contains serious grammatical errors. These errors interfere with essay. |
| Spirit | Shows a deep love for and connection to the University. | Shows a connection to the University but lacks strong base. | Some effort made to show connection to the University. | Lack of connection to the University. |