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International High School Essay Contest

The International High School Essay Contest is a mandated element of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's annual International Achievement Week observance. It is open to all college-bound, high school seniors who submit an essay application
through the Zeta Iota Iota Chapter of the Fraternity.

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OVERVIEW

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is pleased to announce its annual International High School Essay Contest as a mandated element of the annual International Achievement Week observance. 

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

1st Scholarship: $5,000

2nd Scholarship: $3,000

3rd Scholarship: $2,000

4th Scholarship: $1,000

DEADLINE: 10/20/2023
2023 ESSAY TITLE

With Politics gaining the bulk of discussion, what can the younger generation do to ensure that elected leaders understand the impact of gaining their vote?

ELIGIBILITY & RULES

The Contest is open to all college-bound, high school seniors who submit an essay application through a Chapter of the Fraternity.

 

The essay must be original and neither previously published nor secured by copyright. The essay must be between 700 and 750 words in length. The type-written, double-spaced essay may be submitted via postal service or email in Microsoft Word.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

All submissions will be reviewed by your local Chapter (determined by your high school/home address). Submissions will not be accepted after October 20, 2023.

 

The following information for the contestant must appear on the first page in this manner:

Title:___________________________________

An Essay By: ___________________________

Home Street Address: ___________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _____________________________

Name of High School: ___________________________

Address of High School: _________________________________________________________

Student Email: ___________________________________

Contest Name: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity International High School Essay Contest

Name of Sponsoring Chapter: Zeta Iota Iota

Location of Chapter: Philadelphia, PA

 

The manuscript must be postmarked or time-stamped on the email not later than midnight, October 20, 2023, and sent to an Omega Psi Phi Chapter sponsoring the essay contest.

 

Essays are not to be sent to the Fraternity’s headquarters facility and will be considered ineligible.

RATING CRITERIA

All local Chapters will assemble a review panel to assess submitted essays based on the following criteria. Essays may earn a maximum rating of 100 points.

 

1. Development of Topic/Thesis: (30 possible points)

Topic is well-developed (covers and develops major points, supplying enough information for understanding)

 

2. Progression: (20 possible points)

Composition progresses from beginning to end in a logical flow of information

 

3. Readability: (25 possible points)

Concise prose that sticks to the point and does not ramble (holds reader’s attention)

 

4. Grammar: (15 possible points)

Agreement of subject and verb; proper tense; correct sentence construction; paragraphing, including transitional phrases linking same

 

5. Spelling: (5 possible points)

 

6. Punctuation: (5 possible points)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons submitting manuscripts thereby grant the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. the right to keep the manuscripts and to exercise full publishing rights to them. Awards will be announced on or about November 12, 2023, and the decision of the judges will be final. The manuscripts must present an adequate treatment of the essay topic. Winners may be required to furnish written proof that they were enrolled in their respective high school at the time the essay was submitted. Awards will be submitted to each winner, upon written verification from an institution of higher education that the individual has enrolled. Actual enrollment (not just acceptance) is required. Awards must be claimed within 18 months after the announcement date to be valid.

LOCAL CHAPTER CONTACT

Local Chapter Name Zeta Iota Iota Chapter

Bro. Keir Pemberton

Email scholarship@ziiques.com

 

Please email all essay submissions to: scholarship@ziiques.com

Winning submissions will receive a $500 award from the Zeta Iota Iota Foundation and be eligible for district and international consideration. Local chapter winner will be invited to the Zeta Iota Iota Chapter Virtual Achievement Week program to be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023, to present their essay submission and receive their award check.

Overview
EligibilityAndRules
SubmissionProcess
RatingCriteria
AdditionalInformation
LocalChapterContact
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