Jane Austen Society of Puget Sound

HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST

To foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen, the Jane Austen Society of Puget Sound (JASPS) is sponsoring an essay contest for high school students. Students interested in the life and works of Jane Austen are encouraged to write an essay answering the question, “What does Jane Austen’s writing mean to me?”. Each of us has our own answer to the question, based on our respect and love for the novels and letters of an author whose delightful writing is cherished by all ages. In offering this contest, we hope to discover what you, the high school reader, find in her work that leads you to share our interest in Jane Austen. We also hope offering this contest will help to foster a life-long appreciation for the writings of Jane Austen.

ESSAY RULES

  1. The essay is to be written on the question:

“WHAT DOES JANE AUSTEN’S WRITING MEAN TO ME?”

  1. The essay is to be no more than 500 words.
  2. The contest is open to students attending high school in the Puget Sound region and whose family members are not currently members of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA).
  3. The typed entry must be submitted with the completed application form found on the back of this page.
  4. The student must complete and sign the entry form, which includes a stipulation that the essay is the student’s original work.
  5. Entries must be postmarked on or before April 30, 2008.
  6. Contest judging is conducted anonymously. The judges are looking for original insights and clear, correct writing.
  7. Entries must be mailed to: Carolee Jones 12141 SE 21st St Bellevue, WA 98005

Questions? Contact Carolee Jones or Julie Arnold at

ESSAY PRIZES

First Place*

  • One year membership in the national and local organizations - JASNA and JASPS
  • $500
  • Recognition at the June 8, 2008 JASPS chapter meeting and on the JASPS web site.
  • Publication of the winning essay in the chapter newsletter and on the JASPS web site.
  • DVD of “Persuasion”

Second Place*

  • One year membership in the national and local organizations - JASNA and JASPS
  • $300
  • Recognition at the June, 2008 JASPS chapter meeting and on the JASPS web site
  • DVD of “Persuasion”

Third Place*

  • One year membership in the national and local organizations - JASNA and JASPS
  • $100
  • Recognition at the June, 2008 JASPS chapter meeting and on the JASPS web site.
  • DVD of “Persuasion”

*Portion of prizes donated by KCTS Channel 9 public television Seattle

JANEAUSTENHIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST APPLICATION

Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)______

Address ______

(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)

Telephone (area code and number) ______E-Mail Address______

How did you learn about this contest? ______

Name of the high school you attend ______Grade level ______

School mailing address ______

(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)

[ ] I have enclosed a printed copy of my essay

I guarantee that the attached essay is my original work. I understand that this competition will be judged by a panel of members of the Jane Austen Society of Puget Sound (JASPS) and that their decisions are final. If my essay should be judged to be a winner, I hereby give JASPS permission to publish it in their newsletter and on their website. I understand that my essay will not be returned to me.

______Date______

Student’s Signature (use ink)