PreConvention Contests
Pre-Convention Contest Criteria
Entries in this area must be submitted before the convention as part of the school’s registration packet. Only one entry may be made per school in each category.
A 3x5 inch note card should be attached to the entry and should bear the following information:1) name of the author/artist; 2) name of the chapter; and 3) category of the entry.
Essay: Approximately 500 words in English on the year’s convention theme. The essay should be neatly typed. The judge will rate essays on originality and creativity, adherence to convention theme, development of theme, style, and mechanics. The winning entry will be published in the May issue of the Colorado Torch.
Poetry: A poem on the year’s convention theme, in English, of any verse form or length. The poem should be neatly typed and will be rated on originality and creativity, adherence to convention theme, development of theme, poetic form, and mechanics. The winning entry will be published in the convention program.
Program Cover Design: A line drawing illustrating the year’s convention theme; may be either serious or humorous. The drawing should be neatly done in black ink on 8 ½” x 11” paper. All work must be original, not based on a textbook, a coloring book, or any previously published material. Computer-drawn illustrations are acceptable, providing the artwork is original. The judge will rate entries on creativity and originality, adherence to theme, design concept, craftsmanship and neatness, and overall effect. The winning entry will appear on the convention program cover.
Board Game: This should be a playable board game based on a classical theme. All pieces and instructions must be submitted along with the playing board. Games will be judged on creativity, originality, adherence to classical theme, design concept, craftsmanship and neatness, and overall effect.
T-Shirt Design: The t-shirt design must depict the year’s convention theme. The drawing must be the student’s original design. The design must be clear and the lettering large enough to read on a t-shirt. The entry must be drawn or printed in black ink on 8 ½” x 11” paper (a digital version may be sent to the co-chair in charge of ordering T-shirts). The winning entry will be made into t-shirts which will be for sale at the state convention and which the national convention delegates will wear to represent COJCL.


