2024-2025 Contest Rules
Please call Signal Press at 847-864-1396 or email Signalpress1730@gmail.com to order the FULL LIST of rules for all contests (Catalog # C2020) and to order official color sheets.
Award ribbons are also available from Signal Press.
Coloring Contest Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
This is the SECOND year in a FOUR-YEAR SERIES of coloring sheets. Call Signal Press 847-864-1396 or email Nancy at signalpress1730@gmail.com for more information. Order ESC-00 for master copies of coloring sheets with permission to copy for $10.00. The paper weight must be at least 65#. The student information on the back must be legible and complete.
Poster Contest Grades 4-12
STUDENT CHALLENGE: Choose a substance (alcohol, tobacco, other drug, or the misuse of prescription or over the counter medication) to focus on. Research its effects on the physical and mental health, the potential for addition, and societal consequences. Create a poster that exposes the hidden dangers of substance use.
DESIGN GUIDELINES: Choose harmonious colors with strong contrast to make your poster pop! Think bright, bold combinations that grab attention. Use any combination of lettering styles and spacing that is easy to read. Make sure key points are prominent and clear. Play with the design to highlight the important message. Think outside the box. Be creative! Show the dangers in an original and impactful way. Remember originality is the key.
Cutouts are allowed for grades 4-9 only. Grades 10-12 MUST be original artwork. Posters that use product images, trademarks, brand names, or copyright material will be disqualified.
POSTER SIZE: 8 1/2" x11". Use posterboard or heavy card stock weight.
The BACK of the poster on the upper right-hand corner must include student name, grade, age, school, city, state and teacher's name.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Originality - 40%
Design & Color - 20%
Clear & Accurate Message - 20%
Instant Appeal - 20%
Essay Contest Rules and Requirements
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Content must adhere to the topic.
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Sources must be included as a bibliography. All direct quotations must be noted and attributed (not to exceed 20% of content).
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Use standard paper size white paper with one inch margins double space, using one side only. (The essays can be neatly handwritten or typed).
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The original and two copies must be submitted. It is recommended you make an extra copy to keep as NO copies will be returned.
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Each essay must have a cover sheet and all pages attached, including the cover. The cover sheet is to include the name of the participant, age, grade, school, teacher's name, city, and state.
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Each essay shall include a word count placed in the upper right hand corner of the page.
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Purchase of resource packets is NOT required but use of references (below) is encouraged.
REFERENCES
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National Institute on alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: niaaa.nih.gov
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National Institute on Drug Abuse: drugabuse.gov
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Get Smart About Drugs: getsmartaboutdrugs.gov
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Center for Disease Control & Prevention: cdc.gov
Division I - grades 4-6: Is marijuana a safe alternative to tobacco? (200-300 words)
Division II - grades 7-9: What are the dangers of fentanyl? (300-500 words)
Division III - grades 10-12: Alcohol is NOT for Me! (600-1,000 words)
JUDGING CRITERIA
Style & Persuasiveness - 30%
Factual Accuracy - 20%
Originality - 20%
GENERAL RULES
WCTU is the official sponsor of all contests. Rules are set by the WCTU and the decision of the judges is final. By entering the contest, students grant the WCTU the right to display the entries at the WCTU conventions or meetings and on the website for educational purposes. In addition, the WCTU is granted permission from the student (and parent/guardian) to use the entries for other purposes, such as in publications or educational purposes. In such cases, proper credit will be given to the student creator.
DEADLINES FOR ALL CONTESTS
Entries must be received by the local WCTU by February 15th.
The first place winning entries of local contests must be received by the State WCTU by March 15th.
The first place winning entries of state contests must be received by National WCTU Educational Director by April 15th.
National winners will be announced at the National WCTU convention and on wctu.org.