WHO: The Democratic National Convention Committee, Post-News Educational Services and Qwest invite Colorado students in grades 6-11 to “WRITE TO LEAD”

WHAT: “WRITE TO LEAD” offers two essay questions, to be answered in 300-500 words:

WHY: The 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver offers an incredible opportunity for youth in Colorado to learn about the democratic process. We are committed to education and enhanced student achievement and aim to engage Colorado’s youth in this historic experience, while furthering critical thinking about leadership and its impact on the future of our country.

WHEN: All entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 18, 2008. Winners will be announced the week of May 19th. Finalists will serve as ambassadors to their assigned delegations throughout the summer, and two Presidential Winners will be invited to attend the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Travel and accommodations will be provided for the Presidential Winners and their guardians. In addition, each Presidential Winner will be awarded a laptop computer to aid with future writing projects and have his or her essay published in full.

HOW: All entrants must follow and complete the submission process in full to be eligible for selection. To enter, students must mail their essay, along with a copy of the official “WRITE TO LEAD” Student Application/Parent Consent and Waiver Form with the entrant’s signature and parent or guardian’s signature, to the address below. Entries must be postmarked no later than April 18, 2008 for qualification.

Please direct mail to:
“WRITE TO LEAD”
c/o Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc.
1560 Broadway
Suite 400
Denver, CO 80202

SELECTION CRITERIA:
Entries will be judged by a committee of local educators and representatives from the Democratic National Convention Committee, Post-News Educational Services and Qwest. Finalists will be selected representing geographical diversity from across the state of Colorado. Essays must be students’ original work, well written, without spelling or grammatical errors and illustrate creativity and critical thinking about the subject of leadership and the future of our country. All materials submitted, including essays will become property of the Democratic National Convention Committee, Post-News Educational Services and Qwest and will not be returned. All materials submitted may be used by the Democratic National Convention Committee, Post-News Educational Services and Qwest at their sole discretion.