AFHE Essay Contest for Homeschoolers

25 Years – Homeschooling Works

Join us in celebrating AFHE’s 25th anniversary by participating in our Essay Contest for Homeschoolers!  Homeschooled students and parents residing in Arizona are all invited to write. Winning essays will be published on the AFHE website and also in the Arizona Home Education Journal as space allows.

The theme of the essay contest is Homeschooling Works.

TOPICS:

Participants may choose from one of the following topics:
1. How will home education impact the future?
2. How has homeschooling reformed education in America?
3. How has home education impacted my life?

AGE CATEGORIES:

I.   Ages 13 and under
II.  Ages 14 through graduation
III. Adult

ESSAY LENGTH:

13 and under – Minimum 600 words, maximum 1500 words
14 through adult – Minimum 1000 words, maximum 1500 words

FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS:

• Essays should be typed or neatly written, double spaced, with a one inch margin on all sides.
• Use a 10 to 12 point size plain, easy-to-read font (such as Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman).
• Do not put your name on your essay.
• Staple the pages of your essay together and/or number the pages.
• Attach a completed entry form to your essay with a paper clip.

DEADLINE TO RECEIVE SUBMISSIONS:    

May 1, 2008

All essays must be accompanied by an Entry Form and must be post-dated no later than May 1, 2008.

ENTRY FORM: Click here to download the entry form. (pdf)

To request an entry form by mail, e-mail homeschool@afhe.org with your first and last name and mailing address.

Mail your essay with a completed entry form to:

AFHE Essay Contest
P.O. Box 2035
Chandler, AZ 85244-2035

PRIZES:

For each age category, prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners.

• First Place Prize in each age category - $150
• Second Place Prize in each age category - $100
• Third Place Prize in each age category - $50

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE:

Participating families must be current members of AFHE and must be homeschooling in accordance with ARS §15-802.   

Does not include students enrolled in public-school-at-home programs (publicly funded virtual charter schools).

JUDGING CRITERIA:

A panel of judges will review the essays. The decision of the judges is final. Judges will look for relevance to the theme, mechanics (grammar, punctuation, spelling), neatness, fluency, and organization (clarity). Essays should support the core values of AFHE and should focus on the positive impact of home education.

AFHE defines home education as parent-led, family-funded, relationship-based education of a child at home.

CONTACT:

Nancy Manos, homeschool@afhe.org, 602-235-2673 with questions or to receive an entry form by mail.