Scleroderma Student Essay Contest

Generating awareness and knowledge about scleroderma is possible at any age!  Choosing scleroderma as a research topic helps to not only spread the word about the disease, but also helps to inform others about how they too can join the fight against scleroderma! With this in mind, the Scleroderma Foundation is proud to host the first annual Scleroderma Student Essay Contest.

Who is eligible? Students in grades 4–12 are eligible to submit a written paper on scleroderma. This could be your chance to show off your work and make a difference for a worthy cause!

Only one entry may be submitted per student, per year to the national office for this contest. One winner will be selected from each of the following grade categories 4–6; 7–9; 10–12.

What must I include about scleroderma in my essay? The topic of scleroderma must make up at least 50% of the information provided in each entry to be eligible for the contest.

What Do I Win? Each winner will choose from EITHER hotel accommodations and registration for one adult and one child to the 2010 National Patient Education Conference in Boston, Mass., OR a choice of a new Wii system or new iPod (based on comparable value). Winners’ names and paper topics will also be featured on the Foundation’s Web site and in our print publications!

Please Read Through the List of Rules and Guidelines Below
Prior to Submitting Your Entry

Submission Requirements: 

Grade Category 4–6
All submitted work must be the sole effort of the student themselves.The topic of scleroderma must make up at least 50% of the information provided in each entry to be eligible for the contest.

All entries must be submitted in hard copy form, and may be handwritten or typed. Papers must be no less than two pages but not exceed 10 pages in length. The student’s contact information (name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address) should be listed on the last page of the paper.

Grade Categories 7–9 and 10–12
All submitted work must be the sole effort of the student themselves and include proper citation for all outside references and information. The topic of scleroderma must make up at least 50% of the information provided in each entry to be eligible for the contest. Plagiarism of any sort will result in automatic disqualification.

All entries must be submitted in hard copy form, typed, double-spaced, in Times New Roman size 12 font. Papers must not be less than two pages nor to exceed 20 pages in length.Students must be sure to include their full name, age, grade, school, and page number in the header of EACH PAGE of their paper. Contact information (Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address) should be listed on the last page of the paper. ** Students must also include a separate, one-page explanation about 1) why they researched scleroderma; and 2) what they learned.

Invalid Entries: Due to the sheer volume of entries, the Foundation will not able to consider any other format than hard copy essays for submission. Any entries that do not contain the necessary contact information will automatically be denied eligibility. The Foundation reserves the right to reject submissions that are deemed inappropriate for and/or non-applicable to the contest.

Grading Rubric: Students will be comparatively graded based on their expressed creativity and originality in presenting information about scleroderma. Proper grammar and spelling is recommended.

Legal Notice: All submissions, once received, become the property of the Scleroderma Foundation and may be used for the express interest of the Foundation and its affiliates. The Foundation cannot guarantee any return on entries submitted.

How to Enter: All submissions must be mailed to the following address:

Scleroderma Foundation National Headquarters, Attn: SF Student Contest, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.

To arrange for an alternate means of submission, please contact Sondria Berman at sberman@scleroderma.org or by telephone at 1-800-722-4673, ext. 48.

Entry Due Date: All entries must be postmarked by May 3, 2010 to be eligible for consideration.

Winner Notification: One winner will be selected from each of the following grade level categories: 4–6, 7–9, 10–12 by May 21, 2010, and notified immediately after with their prize information. Each winner and the titles of their entries will be featured in the "Scleroderma VOICE" magazine, online publications, and on the Foundation Web site.

For any questions or concerns, please contact: Sondria Berman by e-mail at sberman@scleroderma.org or by telephone 1-800-722-4673 ext. 48.