Georgia Rotary Clubs
Rotary clubs operate the contest through the nonprofit Georgia Rotary Districts Character Education Program, Inc. Clubs support the Laws of Life contest financially as Contest Sponsors providing funding that supports contest materials, awards, and teacher training. Most clubs also choose to serve as a School Partner with a local school and recognize winning students at local and district-wide meetings and conferences. Rotary club members serve as volunteer Essay Judges who help select student winners, read and judge essays. Rotarians also serve on the contest’s Board of Directors and Board Committees giving their professional expertise to provide a unique opportunity for self-reflection and character growth to our younger generation.
We hope you will add your club's support for this meaningful and impactful student program.
Contest Timeline
Sponsor
June-August
President Elects Confirm Their Laws of Life Sponsorship
Kickoff
September
Attend Annual Workshop Luncheon with School Partner
Write
August-February
Schools conduct contest as Part of Their Curriculum
Judge
February-March
Club Members volunteer as Essay Judges to Select Winning Essays
Award
March-April
Grade, School and State Winners Announced
Recognize
April-May
Clubs Host Student Recognition Event. Award checks mailed
Partner
January-March
In order to get a new school into the contest for the upcoming school year we need to connect with them before March. However, we encourage clubs to reach out to local schools about the contest all year round. We look forward to partnering with your club to get new schools engaged in the Laws of Life Essay Contest.
George S, Dunwoody Rotary Club
“The Laws of Life Essay Contest is one of the easiest and yet most meaningful ways for a Rotary Club to establish a strong community-school tie. By sponsoring the contest, a Rotary Club can reach out to the next generation of young people, support its local educators, and make a valuable contribution to character education within its community.”
Dr. Don R, Bainbridge Rotary Club
“Writing a Law of Life essay creates a window into a student's life that allows them to be seen for what they are for the first time. The Georgia Laws of Life program helps to salvage futures through understanding and communication. That is why my Rotary club sponsors the program, and that is why Rotary clubs all across the state of Georgia came together to form a partnership to insure the future of this contest.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the contest?
The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest is a character education and writing program for high school students, grades 9 – 12. Students are asked to select a saying or “Law of Life” and to show how the quote applies to their everyday life. The contest challenges students to reflect upon and write about core their own life experiences and values – values such as loyalty, generosity, courage, compassion, and perseverance.
How do schools benefit?
The contest provides each participating school with:
- A valuable but cost-free writing program that meets the State of Georgia’s mandated character education requirement for grades 9 through 12
- Student prize money, medallions and honorable mention certificates for each qualifying grade level
- Teacher honoraria and awards
- Contest materials such as a Teacher Contest Manual and sample lesson plans keyed to core curriculum standards
- The opportunity to participate in a widely-recognized statewide educational program with significant teacher and student and recognition
How do students benefit?
One $100 school winner per school. Three $50 grade level winners, for each school that meets the minimum participation requirements. Five statewide student awards range from $1,000 to $200.
Through their writings, students have discovered meaning in simple everyday acts, found the proverbial silver lining in a cloud, recognized their own inner strengths, and learned to value relationships they once took for granted. The essays give students confidence in their potential to live meaningful and purposeful lives, and help students discover the power of the written word.
How does my club benefit?
As a Contest Sponsor your support provides a statewide life changing program for educators and students which encourages students to reflect on values such as those in the Four-Way Test.
Contest Sponsors may also serve as a School Partner, working directly with a school(s) in your local area. Clubs throughout the state are encouraged to participate with or without being a School Partner.
The average cost per school, including student and teacher prize money, school contest materials, essay publication, student recognition, and administrative costs is approximately $1,500 per year. Your support provides the program free of charge to Georgia Schools.
How does my club get involved?
Contest Sponsors
- Recognition in the annual essay publication, on the Georgia Laws of Life website and social media sites, and on the contest display board
- Club member volunteer opportunities including serving as an essay judge, a school liaison, or a Laws of Life Board Committee member
- Governor citation awards as per club’s Rotary district
School Partners
- The opportunity to host a Student Recognition Event which is great for the public image of your club and exposes students, teachers and parents to the ideals of Rotary and the Four-Way Test
- A turn-key character education and literacy program ready to implement in your local community, with statewide coordination and administration provided by the Laws of Life contest.
How much does it cost?
As a signature program of Georgia Rotary Clubs, the Laws of Life Essay Contest reaches more students than any other Rotary program in our state. Last year more than 48,000 Georgia teens wrote a Laws of Life essay and the contest presented $22,000 in award money. Annually the contest generates more than 500,000 media impressions, putting the spotlight on Rotary’s emphasis on education, values, high ethical standards and service to others.
