Area High School and College/University students are invited to participate in Sustainable Seaside’s 2024 Earth Day Essay & Poetry Contest.  There is no charge to participate. This year’s theme is “Healing the Earth:  It’s Our Turn to Lead.”  

A $200 Cash Prize for the best submission of a 200-word (max) Poem or a 500-word (max) Essay will be awarded in each of the two age categories.   A $50 Cash Prize will be awarded to the second-place winner in each age category.

Topics

Topics may include, (but are not limited to): Conservation, recycling, bees, access to healthy eating, factory farming, renewable energy, eliminating single-use containers, gardening, public transportation, community, vertical planting, native plants, pollinator protection, plant-based meals, composting, LEDs, biking, gardening, and walking.

Eligibility

Monterey and Seaside High School and College/University students are eligible.
Age Category 1: High School Ages 15 to 19
Age Category 2: College Ages 18 to 22

Contest Rules

Submissions must abide by the following:

• Include the writer’s name, age, address, phone number, and email.

• Submissions, either an essay or a poem, may be typed or legibly handwritten.

• Work must be original.  Plagiarized submissions will not be accepted.

• If the submission is part of a school or class project, please, also include the school’s name, grade, and teacher’s name.

• Each essay or poem must include a count of the total number of words.

• There are two ways to submit your essay or poem.  Your entry must be received no later than April 1, 2024.

1.  Complete the online Google form found at https://forms.gle/3NGKtk8m2SSgPqzC9

2.  Or submit your entry by email. Attach a PDF or WORD document as an email attachment.  Email it to sustainableseaside@gmail.com

Judging

Essays and Poetry will be judged based on the following:

• 75% – Content.  The written essay or poem must show a clear understanding of sustainability, your specific topic, and its impact on the environment. Extra points will be given for proposing actions that will help protect the environment.
• 15% – Grammar, spelling, originality, etc.
• 10% – Submissions must comply with all “Requirements” items as listed above.

Winning entries will be announced by April 12, 2024, by phone and/or email.