|
|
|
The 2010 Youth Tour participants. All are juniors at area schools. L-R: Rachel Amparano, Kearney; Lacy Bishop, Lathrop; Trevor Cessna, Kearney; Dennis Fulk, Board President; Mike Torres, CEO; Caleb Hoffman, Kearney; Richelle Hendrix and Jessica Voelk, both representing North Platte High School.>> READ CONTEST RULES
Platte-Clay participates in a national program that allows rural electric cooperative students an opportunity to earn a trip to Washington, D.C., by writing an essay on a topic determined by the co-op.
The annual contest usually is administered by local high school teachers who make the essay contest a class project, although students may enter independently if their school does not participate. Once the essays are turned in, they are reviewed anonymously. Top-ranked entrants then are notified they are among the finalists.
The six finalists present to a group of community leaders, with the top two winning a trip to Washington, D.C., and the third place student "on deck" in the event one of the first two students is unable to make the trip. The remaining four students earn a trip to Jefferson City, Mo., for an award-winning leadership conference called Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience, or CYCLE.
For more information, visit www.amec.org/youth.html or www.youthtour.coop
Information on the annual essay contest will appear in the pages of the co-op's newsletter, Northland Connection.
Youth Tour Creative Writing Contest Rules
1. Student Eligibility
This contest is open to any high school junior who attends school in Platte-Clay Electric Cooperativeís service area or whose parents are members of the cooperative. Children of directors and employees of Platte-Clay are not eligible to participate.
2. Writing Content
Contestants are to submit a typed essay of approximately 600 words, not to exceed 750, on a specific topic within rural electrification to be determined by Platte-Clay. Essay topics will be included with each student information packet. On a separate cover sheet, attached to the essay, please include the following:
- Name and address
- Telephone number
- Parents' names
- School's name and address
- Teacher's name
It is important that you DO NOT put your name on the essay. We will code the essay so that it can be judged anonymously.
3. Writing Assignment Delivery and Deadline
Essays are to be mailed or delivered to:
PIatte-Clay Electric Cooperative
P.O. Box 100
Kearney, MO 64060
Attn: Youth Tour Coordinator
Essays must be received in our office no later than the given due date by 5 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted!
4. Judging
The essay contest will consist of two parts: written and oral. One rural electric professional and two communication professionals will judge the written portion. Two rural electric professionals and one communication professional will judge the oral presentation professional.
5. Finalists
The students with the top six scores on the written portion of the contest will be asked to present their essays orally before a panel of judges at the Platte-Clay office in Kearney. The two students with the highest written and oral score combined will be Platte-Clay Electricís delegates to the Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., in June. The remaining four finalists will each receive a Youth Tour T-shirt and a cash prize.
6. Tell us why you would be a good delegate
At the final judging, after each finalistís presentation, he or she will be asked the question, "Why would you like to represent Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative at Youth Tour?" The answer should be presented spontaneously in one minute or less.
7. Reference material
Reference material is available in your high school library or the Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative's offices at 425 East Main, Platte City or 1000 West 92 Highway, Kearney. Don't hesitate to call 816-628-3121, if you have any questions.
8. Delegate Duties
The Youth Tour winners will be asked to promote the contest to local organizations and schools.
Scoring on Written Portion
Knowledge of Subject - 40%
Understands the basics of the Rural Electric program from the resource material provided.
Originality - 30%
Writing assignment shows thought beyond the facts given in the resource material.
Composition - 10%
Writing assignment is composed in an organized format.
Grammar - 10%
Words, sentences and paragraphs follow the standard rules of grammar.
Neatness - 10%
Essay is typed or computer generated without messy corrections.
Scoring on Oral Presentation
Knowledge of Subject - 30%
Understands the basics of the Rural Electric program from the resource material.
Originality - 25%
Presentation shows thought beyond the reciting of facts.
Speaking Ability - 25%
Student is able to speak clearly, has some eye contact and expression.
Organization - 10%
Essay is composed in an organized format.
Presentation of Self - 10%
Neat appearance, positive attitude and poise will be considered.
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
