FAQs
How should I cite information in my paper?
Information garnered from outside sourcing must be cited in your paper in some type of accepted works cited or bibliographic format. Parenthetical sourcing is appreciated and neither it nor a works cited/bibliography should be included in your final word count.
How many sources should I have in my paper?
As this paper has a maximum word limit of only 1,000 words, we would highly recommend that students use no more than five sources. Essay jurors are especially interested in hearing the voices, experiences and thoughts of the authors; too much sourcing makes this nearly impossible.
Do I really have to include one non-internet source?
Students are required to have at least two resources cited in this paper. At least one of these citations should come from a non-internet source such as a book, newspaper article, magazine article, scholarly journal, documentary, news report, television show, movie or interview.
Many of these more traditional sources of information can now be found on the internet (i.e. the New York Times is available online); therefore, if a student finds a more traditional source online, it may be used and it will not be counted as an online source.
Don’t forget to look over the Suggested Resources page on the Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest website as there are excellent internet and non-internet sources available.
Can anyone participate in the essay contest?
Any high school student – including home-schooled students – in grades 9-12 from across the nation may participate in the Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest.
How do I navigate this website?
The website is designed so that students and teachers can follow the right-hand side links from top to bottom, reading and completing necessary information on each of the pages as you follow along. Students should pay special attention to the Introduction, Essay Contest Overview, Educational Overview and the Eligibility, Rules and Regulations pages as they have the most practical information to help complete the essay. Please, read through the entire website before researching, writing and submitting an essay.
Should I think of this as an opinion paper or a research paper?
Jurors for the Tribute to the Rescuers Essay Contest are expecting to see well-researched information regarding a topic of moral courage; however, research and the re-telling of a story of moral courage should only make up 1/3 to ½ of a student’s paper. Students should focus on telling the jurors why this particular story of moral courage has inspired them to action, made them re-think certain issues or feelings or simply why this story matters in today’s society. For help in crafting your thoughts and feelings on your particular topic, please review the Scoring Rubric, Contest Overview, and Previous Essay Winners.
Do I have to write about the Holocaust?
Students are not required to write about a specific event or example of moral courage in the Holocaust; however, students must reference or make a connection to the Holocaust and lessons learned there in the paper.
