Arbor+Day+Essay+Directions

In order to encourage students to apply their writing skills to practical purpose and to arouse awareness of Arbor Day and the importance of trees to our community well-being, the Hoover Beautification Board will sponsor the 2016 Arbor Day Essay Contest.

Any **fourth grade** student in the Hoover City Schools System is invited to submit one short essay.
 * WHO CAN ENTER?**

The central theme of the essay is**, “The Importance of Trees to the City of Hoover”.**
 * WHAT TO WRITE:**

clearly on the top of the page. Jennifer Gregory at jgregory@aldridgegardens.com
 * HOW TO ENTER?**
 * Essay should be 300 words or less, and the original work of the student.
 * Essay must be printed or typed.
 * Essays must have the student’s name, teacher’s and school name printed or typed
 * Entries must be submitted no later than Friday, February 12, 2016.
 * Submit entries to: Your Elementary School Principal
 * Principals, please submit your **__three best essays__** via email to:
 * Final judging will be performed by the Hoover Beautification Board.

Members of the Hoover Beautification Board will judge the entries by the following criteria:
 * JUDGING**
 * Originality of Thought (30%)
 * Clarity of Reasoning (30%)
 * Accuracy of Information (20%)
 * Grammatical Usage, Spelling & Punctuation (20%)

As part of the Hoover’s official Arbor Day Ceremony, the Arbor Day Essay Contest awards ceremony will be held Saturday, March 5 at 10:30AM at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, AL. The author of the first place essay will receive a 1-year family membership to Aldridge Gardens, a book about trees and, a cash prize and gift certificates from Hoover businesses. Recipients of Honorable Mention will receive a book about trees, a cash prize and gift certificates from Hoover businesses. Each award recipient will be invited to read his or her essay during the Arbor Day Ceremony.
 * AWARDS**