Competition Requirements
Theme: “The Power of Positivity”
In The Bahamas, the past two years have been shaped by two major events – Hurricane Dorian and the Covid 19 pandemic. Despite the challenges brought on by each, we can use these experiences to cultivate a positive outlook. Sir John believed that only one thing is more powerful than learning from experience, and that is NOT learning from experience! You can use your experiences, whether good or bad, to positively influence the path you choose in life.
Instructions for Students
As you write your essay, please select the law below that expresses a key value and/or ideal by which you should live. Explain why the chosen value/ideal is important to the way you live your life by discussing your experiences, the lessons you’ve learned, and people who have served as living examples of your chosen value/ideal.
Once you have completed your essay or video, visit the “Submit Your Essay” page to register for the Laws of Life competition and submit your essay or video.
Rules
Contest Notes
Previous 1st prize and 2nd prize winners may not enter another contest within the same division. 3rd prize winners may enter another contest at any time.
Entries become the possession of the Laws of Life contest committee. The award-winning entries may be made available for publication.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE WRITING UNIT FOR RESULTS. The decision of the judges is FINAL.
2022 Laws
Primary Division
Grades 5-6
If you look into a mirror, what do you see reflected? Is the light in your eyes joyous? Does your facial expression reflect peace and
It has been said there are two kinds of people in the world: those who see a problem, define and describe the problem, complain about
You may be familiar with the inspirational writing called The Desiderata. Although the entire writing is exquisitely presented, one statement in particular can be quite
Word Limit
250-350 Words
Please Note that ORIGINALITY is important. Essays under 250 words and more than 350 words will be disqualified. Word count must be noted at the end of the essay.
Junior Division
Grades 7-9
If you look into a mirror, what do you see reflected? Is the light in your eyes joyous? Does your facial expression reflect peace and
In 1633, the English colonists established a settlement on a peninsula between the James and York rivers in Virginia in the United States. They called
In his book Helping Heaven Happen, Dr. Donald Curtis presents a short dialogue that could well describe the situation in which many people find themselves.
Word Limit
400-550 Words
Please Note that ORIGINALITY is important. Essays under 400 words and more than 550 words will be disqualified. Word count must be noted at the end of the essay.
Senior Division
Grades 10-12
If you look into a mirror, what do you see reflected? Is the light in your eyes joyous? Does your facial expression reflect peace and
Reality is often a matter of personal perception, as much as objective fact. The way two people respond to the same incident reveals this almost
Is something or someone bothering you? Is there a troublesome person or difficult situation you would like to eliminate from your life? How about experiences
Word Limit
600-850 Words
Please Note that ORIGINALITY is important. Essays under 600 words and more than 850 words will be disqualified. Word count must be noted at the end of the essay.
College Division
Participants must be 25 or under and registered at a local tertiary institution. Proof of Birth and registration must be attached to application.
If you look into a mirror, what do you see reflected? Is the light in your eyes joyous? Does your facial expression reflect peace and
The eagles that live in the canyons of the state of Colorado in the United States use a special kind of stick with which to
Today can be a day filled with opportunities for you to express yourself, expand yourself, and experience the world around you. A lot of people
Word Limit
850-1000 Words
Please Note that ORIGINALITY is important. Essays under 850 words and more than 1000 words will be disqualified. Word count must be noted at the end of the essay.
Video Division
Create a short video using the following Law of Life:
“If you think you know it all, you are less likely to learn more.”
The purpose of the video is to demonstrate what the law means and how it factors in everyday life. Feature live people, stills, animation—whatever you think best conveys your message.
Video Specifications and Submission Process
Visit the Submit page to register and submit your video.
Requirements
One student must be designated as lead producer/director for the video. In addition, the Online Registration Form must include the name, cell phone number, and e-mail address of the teacher who can be contacted about the entry if needed.
A release is required from each person who has a speaking role or is otherwise distinctly featured in the video, as well as those involved in the production of the video. (This authorization assures that those involved know that the video may be shown publicly without further consent required. The release(s) must accompany the Online Registration form and video. It must be signed by the participant(s), and if the participant/student is a minor, it must be signed by the participants’s parent/guardian. You may download the release form on the “Submit” page in the Video section.
Video content must not promote illegal behavior; discriminate against or support prejudice toward others along ethnic, racial, religious, or sexual grounds; invade the privacy of any person; support or oppose a candidate for elected office or advocate for the passage or defeat of legislation; or otherwise be inappropriate as determined by the Templeton World Charity Foundation Inc. or Ministry of Education.
All videos will be judged anonymously. It is therefore requested that as much as possible, entrants should not mention actual names of participants or schools in the video.
Please note that professionals in media, public relations, and education will participate in the judging process to help determine the winners.
The most prestigious essay competition
in The Bahamas.