Essay Contest: What Does Tolerance Mean in Your Life?
Source/Author: Roderick Fludd, Director of Diversity & Inclusion
October 17, 2017
Shorecrest friend Norm Bungard has once again offered to provide awards to students who write outstanding essays in an annual contest. This year, Mr. Bungard encourages students to think deeply about their beliefs and attitudes toward tolerance in response to the question, “What Does Tolerance Mean in Your Life?”
Tolerance is the appreciation of diversity and the ability to live and let others live. It is the ability to exercise a fair and objective attitude towards those whose opinions, practices, religion, nationality - and so on - differ from one's own. What does tolerance mean in your life?
Mr. Bungard will make the following awards:
- Grades 5-8: One $200 award per grade for the best essay; Two $50 awards for the Honorable Mention essays in each grade.
- Grades 9-12: One $250 for the best essay in each grade; Two $50 awards for the Honorable Mention Awards in each grade.
MS and US Essays will be scored with the following 100 point rubric:
30 points - Does the essay answer the question?
30 points - Is the essay personal, original and age appropriate?
30 points - Is there relevance and connection to today’s world? (Grades 5-12)
10 points - Spelling and grammar
Parents and teachers are welcomed to discuss the topic with student writers. Editing should be limited to spelling and grammar.
All essays submitted must be typed and double spaced with a limit of 300 - 500 words. Please include your name, grade and Teacher/Advisor at the top of your papers. All entries must be submitted by 12 noon on October 20, 2017, and all entries must be submitted to Mr. Fludd or your division’s administrative assistant. A panel of judges will score all entries and winners will be announced at morning assemblies in November.
