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
Writing Contest Prompt
This year’s Spirit Week theme is “A Steady Upward Course." Former BYU-Idaho President Henry B. Eyring said, “Each of us can follow the example we have seen here. We can follow a steady, upward course in a world of change without fear, welcoming the opportunities.
"The way is a simple one, clearly marked. It is to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on that which is unchangeable.
"We must have an eye of faith fixed on eternal life. That life, the greatest of all the gifts of God, is to live in glory forever in families in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father. It takes a focused eye."
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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