Ben Franklin Papers Essay Contest ( Student Version)
As a supplemental activity for the Ben Franklin Papers Project, the Center for Civic Leadership, Department of Teacher Education, and the American Democracy Project propose a writing competition for both 5th and 8th graders participating in the Ben Franklin Papers.

Questions
Questions will be posted following the September 26, 2007 event.

Rules
1.  Classes are not obligated to participate. If your class does not compete, you may still compete in the essay contest.  If your class does participate, your teacher will notify you.

2. The essays are due on OCTOBER 19 .  They will be scored by OCTOBER 26 .

3.  The top 5th Grade and 8th Grade winners will be awarded an iPod Shuffle.  Second and third place runners-up will receive Ben Franklin Papers t-shirts.  The winners will be announced at an all-school assembly and proper media sources will be contacted.

4.  The essay must be typed and should include a heading in the upper left hand corner including: Full Name, Teacher Name, School, Due Date (October 19 )

5.  The title of the essay should be centered.  Please use standard 1” margins on all sides.

6.  The essay must contain at least 500 words with no limit on length.

7.  Do not plagiarize or cheat.  If you are caught, your teacher and school principal will be notified.

8.  The highest scoring essays will be posted on the Ben Franklin Papers website following the contest, and printed in the Hays Daily News with a picture of the author.