Year Six Essay Writing Competition – A Rotary North Balwyn Vocational Service Project

By Past District Governor Greg Ross

At the start of 2020, Rotary North Balwyn’s Vocational Service Committee invited year six students at local primary schools to enter an essay writing competition on the topic ‘If I Could Change One Thing In The World.’ The intent was to encourage and develop the writing skills of the students, as well as promote Rotary to them, their parents and school staff. A positive business relationship was also formed with Officeworks East Kew. While COVID-19 restrictions meant extending the completion date and not being allowed to enter school grounds, all essays were judged by mid-May and prizes presented in early June. Each essay had to be between 300 and 500 words and the entries were judged on the clarity of the writing, the quality of the ideas expressed and the innovative thinking and imagination presented.

Five schools participated and the prizes were substantial. They were:  

  • 1st Prize: $1,000 ($500 Officeworks voucher for student, $500 for school)
  • 2nd Prize: $500 ($250 Officeworks voucher for student, $250 for school)
  • 3rd Prize:  $300 ($150 Officeworks voucher for student, $150 for school)
  • Encouragement awards x 5 maximum: $100 Officeworks voucher each
56 students entered and there was considerable variety in the subject matter, reflected in the topics of the eight winners: Reality; Go Vegan; Homelessness; Self Doubt; Plastic; Human Greed; Bullying; Climate Change. The competition was highly successful and, with the support of school staff, the students were enthusiastic with their participation.