Essay Contest Rules

* All essays should specifically address the Essay Topic, which is:

In his Fox News hour, "Myths, Lies, and Complete Stupidity," John Stossel takes a critical look at food regulations designed to encourage people to make healthier food choices. Should it be government's job to try to keep people healthy? Why or why not?

Please write a 500-1000 word essay on this topic. You must include at least one reference from John Stossel's "Myths, Lies, and Complete Stupidity" TV special or his recent book, No They Can't.

  • Students must be aged 12-18 to participate.
  • Essays should be 500-1000 words in length.
  • All essays must be submitted by a teacher on behalf of the student(s).
  • Teachers must be registered on our site in order to submit essays. Teachers may submit an unlimited number of student essays.
  • Essays must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time, February 14, 2014.
  • Teachers with winning students will be notified no later than April 10, 2014.
  • All essays must be the original work of the student whose name is listed on the submission form. Plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.
  • Employees of Stossel in the Classroom, Fox News, Fox Business, and their immediate family members are not eligible for this contest.
  • Decisions of the judges are final.
  • Winners will be solely responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes on winnings.
  • Chaperones chosen to accompany First and Second Place Winners on their trip to New York City must be the student's parent, legal guardian, or another adult chosen with the approval of the student's parents/guardian.
  • Submission of essays constitutes permission for Stossel in the Classroom to post winning essays on our web site.
  • Essays will be judged on their ability to answer the topic question in an articulate, clear, and organized manner, using examples from Mr. Stossel's video to support their analysis. Stossel in the Classroom will evaluate essay submissions in a fair and unbiased four-round judging system, where judges will all use the same criteria. Judges will be selected by Stossel in the Classroom based on their backgrounds and expertise in education, writing, and the subject matter.
  • Deadline for the Essay Contest is 11:59 pm Eastern time on February 14, 2014.
  • Students submitting essays must be aged 12-18 (homeschoolers welcome, too).
  • Every teacher whose student(s) earn an honorable-mention award or better will receive an autographed copy of one of John Stossel's bestselling books!
  • Essays should be 500-1000 words in length.
  • Essays must be submitted on our web site.
  • Prizes for students AND teachers: 125 cash prizes will be awarded, totaling $15,500.
  • Teachers may submit as many student essays as they choose.
  • For more info, choose from the tabs at the top of this page.
  • Questions? Click here to e-mail us.