Laws of Life Essay Contest

Frequently asked questions

Q: Who is eligible for the Laws of Life essay contest?

A: The Central Ohio contest is open to schools with students in grades 6, 7, and 8 in the following Ohio counties: Athens, Champaign, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Meigs, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Ross, Union, Vinton.

Q: How many essays can be submitted per school?

A: Teachers and/or contest coordinators should choose the top essays based on the scale found in the Teachers Guide on page 17.

Q: How many covers can be submitted for the cover contest?

A: One piece of cover artwork may be submitted per school that is entering essays. 

Q: When are the essays due?

A: Essays are due by midnight on March 3.

Q: What topics are acceptable for the essay?

A: The laws of life are the core values, ideals and principles by which we live. Essays should be about a law of life of the student’s choosing.

Q: What is the maximum length for an essay?

A: No more than three pages, double spaced. 

Q: Where are essays submitted?

A: Essays should be submitted online by the designated contest coordinator for your school. Please click here for additional information on the submitting process (or see page 9 in the Teachers Guide).

Q: When are the finalists notified?

A: Finalists will be notified in April.

Q: What is the award for winning essays?

A: There is a first, second and third place award for each grade level; $100, $75 and $50, respectively. Overall awards are as follows: Best Overall Essay $500, 2nd Place Overall $250, 3rd Place Overall $100, Best Special Theme Essay $150, and Best Cover Design $100. Additional awards may be added.

Q: Who selects the winners?

A: A group of volunteers from the community.

Q: When is the Awards Banquet?

A: The awards banquet is typically held the second week of May.

Q: What if I can’t attend the awards banquet?

A: If the student is unable to attend the banquet their award will be mailed to the home address listed on the student’s entry form.

Q: Are there resources for teachers that would like to incorporate Laws of Life in their classroom?

A: Yes, please visit bbblawsoflife.org for classroom resources.