The next submission deadline is Thursday, March 21, 2024

All essay writers will be recognized by Character.org with a personalized, printable certificate sent to the the student email address provided on the essay submission form.

The Most Compelling entries will be recognized in the following categories:

Worldwide
• 3 essays from students in Grades 4 – 8
• 3 essays from students in Grades 9 – 12

Students whose essays are selected as Most Compelling Worldwide will each receive a $100.00 cash prize and $100.00 donated on their behalf to the charity of their choice. In addition, their essays will be featured on the Character.org website and on our social media channels.

Students from Schools Within the United States
• 5 essays from students in Grades 4 – 8
• 5 essays from students in Grades 9 – 12

Students from Schools Outside the United States
• 5 essays from students in Grades 4 – 8
• 5 essays from students in Grades 9 – 12

Students whose essays are selected as Most Compelling from Schools Within the United States and Schools Outside of the United States will have their essays featured on the Character.org
website and on our social media channels.

Participating Schools
• 1 essay from each participating school

The student whose essay was selected as Most Compelling from each Participating School will have their essay featured on the Character.org website.

The Laws of Life Writing Program is made possible through a grant from The School for Ethical Education

Here’s what we hope you will share with your students:

#1 – Content (70%)
When thinking about what core value to write about, we encourage you to write “from your heart.” The most inspiring essays either pluck the reader’s heartstrings or make the reader think.
● Your essay should be so authentic that the judge right away will feel that no one else but you could have written it.
● Finally, your essay should inspire the reader to think: Shouldn’t I practice this core value wherever I go and whatever I do in life?

#2 – Structure (20%)
Your essay should be easy to read. The reader can tell exactly what you were trying to communicate. The ideas and paragraphs flow smoothly.

#3 – Grammar and Spelling (10%)
Please edit your essay for grammar and spelling.

● Motivates students to reflect and “write from the heart” to produce excellent narratives

● Highlights these core values as aspirational goals to share with peers,​ teachers, parents, and others

● Encourages students of all writing abilities to participate

● Integrates the writing process with effective character education

● Provides schools a positive opportunity to recognize students’ values and promote community

● Prepares students for the writing process on standardized assessments

The following writing prompts help students in a pre-writing phase to identify their topic for a Laws of Life essay. At the heart of this writing program is the student’s reflection on why the core value they have chosen is foundational to them and to their personal experience – writing from the heart.

Here are some great writing prompts:

● ​Think of a family member or a friend whom you admire. What core value does that person demonstrate?

● Describe a personal experience that has helped you develop a particular core value.

● Describe a time in your life when someone has helped you. How has this made you aware of a particular core value?

● What is one core value that you would like to develop to become a better person?

● When you become a parent, what one core value will you teach your children?

● Imagine that you have lived a long and meaningful life. As you look back on your life, what is it that you are most proud of? What core value did you demonstrate?

● Describe the character of a positive role model in history or literature and how one core value helped them to be successful.

Whatever the writing catalyst may be, the greatest benefit of the Laws of Life process is realized when students have the opportunity to engage in the full writing process (outlining, drafting, peer/family review, editing, publishing).