Campaign for Children's Health Care
"When an Apple a Day Isn't Enough"
National Essay Contest
Official Entry Packet
Contest Summary
The Campaign for Children’s Health Care is conducting a national essay contest, “When an Apple a Day Isn’t Enough.” For the contest, participants will be asked to explain how the ability to see a doctor or go to the hospital affects their lives and the lives of those around them.
The official entry packet contains a summary of the contest (see below), as well as information on contest rules, the privacy policy, judging, and awards, background materials for students, and the official entry form. If you would like the complete packet in pdf format, click here. For individual sections of the packet and other information, click any of the choices listed to the right.
Essay Topics
Contest participants should write a detailed essay on the topic assigned to their specific age group as listed below:
- 9-13 year-olds: Many children and young people get sick or hurt and need to go to the hospital or see the doctor. Write one paragraph about a time when you or a friend were helped by a doctor. Then, write a second paragraph about why it is important for all children to be able to see a doctor. (Word limit: 350)
- 14-18 year-olds: In the United States, more than 9 million people under the age of 19 do not have health insurance. You or someone in your community may not have health insurance. Describe in the first person a teenager or child with no health insurance and explain how the lack of health insurance affects that person’s life. If you do not know someone without health insurance, imagine how not having health insurance can be a struggle. (Word limit: 800)
Awards
- Grand Prize Winners:
$2,500 cash award, as well as an overnight trip to Washington, D.C. for the participant and his or her parent/legal guardian in early February 2007. A teacher or essay administrator of each Grand Prize winner will also join the participant and his or her parent/ legal guardian in Washington, D.C. The winning essays will be published online and in Campaign publications.
- State Finalists:
$250 cash award, and winning essays will be published online and in Campaign publications.
- The school, local program, or local organization with the highest level of participation (as identified on entry forms):
$2,000 cash award for school supplies.
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How to Enter
To enter, complete the official “When an Apple a Day Isn’t Enough” Entry Form and include your essay on the topic for your specific age group. You can submit your entry form and essay online or by mail. If you are entering by mail, send your entry form and essay to: Campaign for Children’s Health Care, National Essay Contest, P.O. Box 34143, Washington, D.C. 20043.
Contest Rules
For a listing of the complete contest rules, go to Contest Rules.
- Eligible participants must be 9 to 18 years old as of September 5, 2006, and not enrolled in colleges, universities, or other advanced degree programs.
- Essays must be typed or written in legible handwriting.
- The participant’s name, age, grade, and state in which he or she lives must be on the top of the page on which the essay is written or typed.
- Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent’s or legal guardian’s permission to enter this contest.
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Entry Deadline
The essay contest will begin on September 5, 2006, and end on October 31, 2006. Essays submitted online must be received by 11:59 pm EST on October 31, 2006. Essays submitted via U.S. mail must be postmarked by October 31, 2006.
Questions
For questions or additional information, please contact the Campaign for Children’s Health Care National Essay Contest Coordinator at 202-879-0299 or via U.S. mail at Campaign for Children’s Health Care, National Essay Contest, P.O. Box 34143, Washington, D.C. 20043.
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