2021 Lutherans for Life of Wisconsin Essay Contest Guidelines

For Students in Grades 6 Through 12

Any Lutheran student in a Lutheran school or church is eligible. Lutheran students may also enter through a home school or congregation (e.g. confirmation class, youth group) when validated by a pastor or teacher. Each school or congregation will submit only one entry for grades 6—8 and one entry for grades 9—12.

Contest Guidelines

Students will write a life-affirming essay based on the theme: God Chose You with the Bible verse “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.” John 15:16

  1. Not incorporating the theme and verse in the essay will disqualify the entry.
  2. Examples suitable essay topics include, but are not limited to, the following: abortion, the disabled, adoption, foster care, infanticide, cloning, stem cell research, physician-assisted suicide, or euthanasia.
  3. Essays should include student’s name, grade (identify school or church), and email address. All entries submitted by a teacher or pastor should include their name and email address. This information may be submitted on the rubric page or on a separate cover letter using the rubric page as a reference.
  4. All sources for references, statistics, and quotes should be incorporated within the essay and included in a bibliography at the end.
  5. Categories and word limits-
    Grades 6—8 should submit essays up to 400 words
    Grades 9—12 should submit essays up to 750 words
  6. Entries should be submitted digitally using Microsoft Word or Google Docs to LFLofWIEssay@gmail.com by March 31, 2021. You will receive a reply when you submit to be sure your submission went through.
  7. There will be a $150 prize for each of the two categories. The two winners will advance to the national contest.
  8. Email LFLofWIEssay@gmail.com with any questions (or call 920-264-8317).
  9. Grand Prize for the national winning entry at each level: $250 plus free conference registration to a 2021 Regional Conference and one-night stay at the conference hotel.
  10. All entries become the property of Lutherans For Life.
  11. For questions or resources on the sanctity of life, see: lutheransforlife.org

PDF of Contest Guidelines and Rubric Click Here

Sample Essays

For resources on the sanctity of life, see:lutheransforlife.org