| 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.The theme for the 2010 Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest was "Count Me In: Why the Census Matters." 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 $50 gift certificate to the Capitol Museum Store; second place winners receive a $25 gift certificate and third place winners receive a $15 gift certificate.
Winners of the 2010 Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest
Theme: "Count Me In: Why the Census Matters: "
7th-8th Grade Category:
1 st Place – Ashlyn Leming, Norterra Canyon School, Phoenix
2 nd Place – Taylor Ramirez, Circle Cross Ranch K-8 School, Queen Creek
3 rd Place – Bijan Anjavi, Desert Canyon Middle School, Scottsdale
Honorable Mention: Stephanie Bonham, Snowflake Jr. High School, Snowflake; and Kathryn Harper, Circle Cross Ranch K-8 School, Queen Creek
9th-10 th Grade Category:
1 st Place – Brooke Sykes, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale
2 nd Place – Benjamin Lee, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale
3 rd Place – Carolyn Malone, Dobson High School, Mesa
11th-12 th Grade Category:
1 st Place – Joe Pichardo, Alhambra High School, Phoenix
2 nd Place – Ashley Benevidez, Alhambra High School, Phoenix
3 rd Place – Eugenia Fowlkes, Alhambra High School, Phoenix
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"
2009: "The Impact of America’s New President on Arizona"
The Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest is sponsored by:
APS |
