The 3rd annual Secret Essay contest is kicking off this with a new essay question! Previously offered in spring only, Secret will host a fall AND spring contest this year in an effort to encourage more fall participants to participate.
 
The new question for fall 2010 and spring 2011 is…drum roll, please…
 
Secret would like to know “How Girls on the Run Makes You STRONG”.
 
Secret will award $500 to five (5) girls and $3,500 to the corresponding five (5) Councils where the winning girls participate. Fall 2010 GOTR participants are eligible to apply. Five winners in total will be selected from two grade categories: 3rd – 5th grade (3 winners) and 6th – 8th grade (2 winners).
 
An identical contest with 5 winning participants (and awards to their corresponding councils) will take place in spring 2011.
 
Detailed contest rules and the official entry form is posted on the Girls on the Run home page. Coaches please distribute entry forms (either the official form on page 2 of the PDF, or on blank paper) and information to the girls – one of your girls could win $500 and our council could win $3,500! Coaches can also send essay contest information directly to parents in an effort to increase participation and highlight our partnership.
 
Girls can either mail the form directly to Secret, or the coaches can collect the forms from the girls and send them in one envelope to the Secret mailing address listed on the official entry form. IMPORTANT: All entries must be signed by a parent or legal guardian or they will not be accepted! If the girls write essays on blank paper, please make certain the girl lists all of the information required on the official entry form (name, council, grade etc.) and that these are signed and dated by their legal guardian.
 
Key Details:
Entries must be received by November 5, 2010 on an Official Entry Form or plain piece of 8-1/2” x 11” paper.
All entries must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Essays must be 300 words or less and handwritten. Typed entries will not be judged.
Essays will be judged on the following criteria:
 Originality & Creativity (50%)
Appropriateness of Essay to Theme (35%)
Sincerity (15%)