| About The Polly Rosenbaum
Writing Contest
The Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest is named for Polly Rosenbaum, a former Arizona State Representative and teacher. This writing contest is a long-standing tradition. Mrs. Rosenbaum, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 104, believed Arizona's young people are the state's greatest resource. The creative writing contest is open to students in grades 7 through 12.
Each year the Arizona Educational Foundation and "Polly" sponsor APS establish a theme for the contest. Criteria and entry forms are mailed to schools statewide in October and are available online. Entries are judged in three age categories: 7th/8th Grade; 9th/10th Grade; and 11th/12th Grade. The selection process includes a review in January by educators and business leaders who judge each entry on the following criteria: proper grammar and word usage; relevance to the established theme; creativity; and effective use of the 6-trait writing rubric.
Every participant receives a letter of commendation and a commemorative pen. First, second and third place winners in each of the three age categories are invited for lunch and a ceremony in February on Statehood Day at the State Capitol in Phoenix. They receive a certificate from the Governor and are invited to read their winning essays aloud. In addition, first place winners receive a $40 gift certificate to the Capitol Museum Store; second place winners receive a $20 gift certificate and third place winners receive a $10 gift certificate.
Winners of the 2009 Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest
Theme: "The Impact of America's New President on Arizona "
7th-8th Grade Category:
1 st Place – Brad Reber, Norterra Canyon School, Phoenix
2 nd Place – Morgan Guilbeau, Andersen Jr. High School, Chandler
3 rd Place – So-Young Chung, Terramar Elementary School, Peoria
9th-10 th Grade Category:
1 st Place – Anastasia Lambrou, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale
2 nd Place – Selena Padilla, Desert View High School, Tucson
3 rd Place – Brittney Smith, San Manuel Jr/Sr High School, San Manuel
Honorable Mention: Anna Sanchez, Desert View High School, Tucson
11th-12 th Grade Category:
1 st Place – Kristen Ozmon, Queen Creek High School, Queen Creek
2 nd Place – Mathew Mossman, Cortez High School, Phoenix
3 rd Place – MaKenna Gibson, Queen Creek High School, Queen Creek
THEMES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS:
2003: "Arizona's Teachers: Why Are They Important?"
2004: "How Diverse Cultures in Arizona Affect the Way We Live"
2005: "How Is Your Voice Heard in our Democracy?"
2006: "Arizonans Who Have Shaped Arizona"
2007: "Envisioning Arizona's Future: The Impact of Renewable Energy on our Environment"
2008: "How the Character of Arizona's Youth Affects Arizona's Future"
The Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest is sponsored by:
APS |
