Submit your essay

Entries for the 2027 contest close on February 14, 2027. Everything marked with an asterisk is required.

Judging is blind

Judges read your essay under an anonymous entry code. They never see your name, school, or sponsoring club — so please make sure your name does not appear anywhere inside the essay file itself.

Student

Judges never see any of this. It is used to contact you and to confirm eligibility.

First name

Last name

Student email

Phone(optional)

Grade

This contest is open to students in their final two years of high school.

School

School name

City

State or province

Teacher name(optional)

Teacher email(optional)

Principal name(optional)

Sponsoring Rotary club

Every entry must be sponsored by a District 5580 club. Your entry goes to this club for endorsement before judging begins. If you are not sure which to pick, choose the club nearest your school.

Rotary club

Your essay

Essay title

The title is the only part of your entry a contest official can edit later.

Essay file

PDF or Word (.docx), up to 10.0 MB. 500–1500 words. Please do not put your name anywhere in the essay — judging is blind.

Consent and attestation

Both are required by contest rules.

Parent or guardian name

Parent or guardian email

My parent or guardian knows I am entering this contest and consents to my name, school, and essay being shared with Rotary District 5580 for the purpose of judging and announcing results.

This essay is my own original work. I did not plagiarize it, and I did not use artificial intelligence to write any part of it. I understand that violating this results in disqualification and forfeiture of any prize.

Confirmation email

We send the confirmation here. Use a teacher's or parent's address if you would rather they receive it.