2011 Echoes and Reflections Moral Courage Essay Contest

How to Enter

Download an Application Form (pdf)


Step 1: Background
Learn more about the history of the Holocaust, rescuers and non-Jewish resistance and the incredible personal stories of rescue. Investigate at least two stories of rescuers from the Yad Vashem website: http://www1.yadvashem.org/yv/en/righteous/index.asp

Step 2: Reflection Sheet
On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions:
Part 1
1. Write your own definition of moral courage.
2. Given the testimonials and stories you have just read, what aspect of their story is an inspiration to you? Why? Staple this reflection sheet to your contest application

Step 3: Research
Select and research an historical or contemporary event or individual where moral courage is highlighted. Then, complete the Reflection Sheet.
Reflection Sheet Part 2:
3. What individual or group will be the focus of your essay?
4. How does your chosen individual or group exhibit moral courage?
5. In what ways is your chosen individual or group an inspiration to you?

Step 4:
Write Write a personal reflective essay to include:
• Reference to the Holocaust or a connection between your chosen topic and the Holocaust.
• Detailed explanation of how the individual/group took a stand against social injustice and exhibited moral courage.
• Detailed explanation of why this information is meaningful to you.

Rules & Guidelines
1. Participants must be in grades 7-12.
2. Word count is 500-750 for 7/8 and 750-1000 for 9-12.
3. A minimum of 25% of the essay explains why the information is personally meaningful.
4. Title, type and double-space your essay.
5. Two-Five references are cited. Wikipedia will not be accepted as a source.
6. Application Form and Reflection Sheet are stapled to an original copy of the essay.
7. Provide a second copy of your essay.
8. DO NOT WRITE your name or school anywhere on the essay. The application form will include this information.

Disqualifiers:
• Incomplete entry form
• Word Count exceeded or not met
• Bibliographic requirements not met
• Multiple entries per student
• Plagiarism

The following websites provide valuable information:
• Echoes and Reflections: www.echoesandreflections.org
• Mapping the Holocaust (Animated Map) www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/maps/
• The History of the Holocaust www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/index.php?lang=en&ModuleId=10005143
• The Righteous Among the Nations-Yad Vashem Museum http://www1.yadvashem.org/yv/en/righteous/index.asp

Awards:
Awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each division.

Additionally, certificates of recognition will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in each division.

To read past winning essays, go to www.echoesandreflections.org/../news_and_events/essay_contests.asp

Please send your essay, a copy of your essay and a completed Application Form to:
Anti-Defamation League
Attn: Echoes and Reflections Essay Contest
ADL, Arizona Regional Office
One E. Camelback, Suite 670
Phoenix, AZ 85012

Deadline: Thursday, March 10, 2011

Notification: Winners will be notified in early April 2011