The Bilingual Education Association of the Metroplex (BEAM) invites you to participate in our annual Bilingual/ESL Student Essay Writing Contest. The competition is open to all 3rd through 12th grade emergent bilingual (EB) students.

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THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS: February 16, 2024

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TOPICS

Write an essay about being bilingual, using the correct theme for the student's grade level:

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• Grades 3 - 5: Why are you proud to be bilingual?

• Grades 6 - 8: Why is it important to be bilingual?

• Grades 9 - 12: How will being bilingual assist you in your future endeavors?

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CASH PRIZES

Cash prizes will be awarded to first place winners in each category, as follows:

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• Grades 3 - 5: $250

• Grades 6 - 8: $500

• Grades 9 - 12: $750​

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ELIGIBILITY   

• Participation in the contest is limited to students who are identified as Emergent Bilingual (EB) learners or reclassified EBs from Region 10 and Region 11

• Participants must have a B average or better in core content areas as of the Fall 2023 semester

• At least a 90% school attendance record, and

• Previous BEAM, TABE and/or NABE winners are not eligible to participate.

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CRITERIA

Each essay will be judged on:

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1. Development of the theme – 30%;

2. Originality – 20%;

3. Content and clarity of expression – 30%; and

4. Grammar and mechanics – 20%

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CONTEST RULES

Only entries that comply with the following rules will be considered:

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• Language: The essay may be written in the student's native language or in English. 

• Subject: All essays must address the theme listed under “TOPICS” above for the appropriate grade level.

• Length: The number of words must be listed at the end of each essay. Lengths must be as follows:​​

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• Grades 3-5: 150-200 words

• Grades 6-8:  250-350 words

• Grades 9-12: 400-500 words

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• Format: The essay should be typed, double-spaced, and follow the word count guidelines above for the student's grade level. Documents must be submitted as a PDF. Documents must be submitted electronically via online submission form at www.beamdfw.org.

• Cover page: The submission must be provided with a cover page that includes the essay title, the student’s name, and grade strand (3-5, 6-8, 9-12). The essay title must be included at the top of the essay, but the student’s name should not appear on the essay.

• Application: The online application form must be completed with the essay uploaded to the form.

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All entries must be submitted by February 16, 2024 11:59 PM CST

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PLEASE NOTE:

• Any entries received after the deadline will not be considered.

• Any entries missing any information will not be considered.​​

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SYMPOSIUM AWARDS

Winners will have their winning essay printed in the Symposium Program and be acknowledged at the BEAM Symposium on April 6, 2024.

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• Copyright: All essays become the property of BEAM and will not be returned. BEAM reserves the right to publish all essays.

• Judging: A panel of judges will select the winners in each category. BEAM Board reserves the right to bestow or not to bestow the award for each category.

• Deadline: All entries must be received by February 16, 2024 11:59 PM CST. Contest entries need to be submitted by the teacher. Applicants will be notified by March 1, 2024. Entries from students from all language backgrounds are encouraged.

• Eligibility Disclaimer: BEAM committee members and their family members are not eligible to enter the contest. Family members of committee members include siblings, parents, significant others, children, grandchildren, and grandparents. Additionally, students of committee members, or students of family members of committee members, are not eligible to enter the contest.

 

Questions/Support

If you have any questions, please email Matt Condon at competitions@beamdfw.org