Writing, Art, and Film Contest 2021

WAC 2021 890x200 web

Remember. Inspire. Take Action.

The Writing, Art, and Film Contest challenges students to explore the history and stories of the Holocaust and to consider how individual actions, big and small, make a difference.  

Open to students in grades 5-12 from Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. 

Stay tuned...Winners will be announced in June!

Thank you to everyone who participated! 

  • 577 Entries
  • 44 Teachers 
  • 4 States
  • 33 Cities
  • 55 Schools 

 

Over 30 prizes awarded in different categories:

First Prizes: $200
Second Prizes: $100
Third Prizes: $50  

Topic | Prizes | Rules | Resources & Rubrics 

 

Topic

Choose one of the options below.

Students may enter more than one category. *

*Students can enter more than one category, but they can only win in one category. 

 

Option 1: Creative Writing 

This past year has been challenging in so many ways. During difficult times, stories of Holocaust survivors inspire us with lessons of hope and resilience. Explore the Survivor Encyclopedia: Washington State - How does one of these survivors inspire you or give you hope in the face of today’s challenges?

Writing can be prose, essay, poetry, play, fiction, non-fiction, etc. 1000 words or less.

 

Option 2: Argumentative Writing

Every Washington State middle, junior and high school is “strongly encouraged” to teach about the Holocaust. By December 2022, the State will consider whether to require Holocaust education in middle and high schools. In a cohesive paper, write a letter to Governor Jay Inslee arguing in favor of mandating (requiring) Holocaust education in Washington State schools. (See suggested resources.) 

Your response should include:

  • An explanation of why Holocaust education should be taught in all Washington schools.
  • (Optional) A counterclaim for your argument.** (See below under "Resources")
  • Reference to three or more credible sources that provide relevant information. One of these sources should be a local survivor's story from the Survivor Encyclopedia: Washington State. 

 

Option 3: Art or Film

Explore the  Survivor Encyclopedia: Washington State.   Using the artistic medium of your choice, create a piece that depicts or represents part of a survivor’s story -- this could be a significant scene, moment, or individual -- that can inspire you or others today. 

  • Art entries must include a description of your art piece (artist's statement),  not more than 100 words.
  • Art piece must be size 18”x24” or smaller and must be flat. We cannot accept sculpture or 3D art.  All art will be submitted online. (We will not be accepting art that is mailed or delivered.)
  • Film must be 3 minutes or less. Film may be dramatic, documentary, story, animation, etc. We cannot accept Powerpoint or Prezi. Do not use copyright images or music without permission or giving credit. 

 

Prizes & Categories:

Entries will be judged in the following groups. Winners will be identified in each group.

Argumentative Writing 

  • 5th/6th | 7th/8th | High School

Creative Writing

  • 5th/6th | 7th/8th | High School

Art 

  • 5th/6th | 7th/8th | High school 

Film 

  • 5th - 8th grade | 9th - 12th grade

 

Prizes:

First Prizes - $200 | Second Prizes - $100 | Third Prizes - $50 

Winning entries will be displayed at the Holocaust Center, at events, and in publications throughout the year. Winners will be announced in June 2021.  

 

Rules:

OFFICIAL RULES: All entrants must review the Official Rules. 

ENTRY FORM:  All entries must be submitted online with an online entry form. The online form will ask you to upload your entry or provide a link to your entry.  

We will not accept entries that are mailed or delivered.

ALL ENTRIES MUST:

  • Cite your sources when you draw information from them: For instance, when you summarize, paraphrase, or quote, and when you refer to facts, figures, and ideas.

  • Provide complete publication information for each source in your bibliography or list of works cited.

  • Art—if you are making an artistic representation of an existing photo or piece of art, be sure to cite it.

  • Film—do not use copyright images or footage without permission and reference.  

JUDGING: 

A panel of judges will review the entries. Judges are educators, artists, writers of various faiths and backgrounds. They will be looking for creativity, thoughtfulness, and an understanding of the question. Judges will be looking for you to relate your knowledge and studies of the Holocaust to your own personal life. Judges will also be looking for proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and artistic talent. 

Are there special considerations that you want the judges to know? If so, please include this in your essay, artist's statement or video.

MORE:

  • Group and class projects are welcome.
  • Entries that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified.
  • Entries will become the property of the Holocaust Center for Humanity.
  • The Holocaust Center reserves the right to publish and/or display all work.
  • A student may enter multiple categories in their grade (writing, art, film) but they can only win in one category.

 

Resources & Rubrics

RUBRICS

RESOURCES & WEBSITES

Survivor Encyclopedia: Washington State (Stories, videos, photos of local Holocaust survivors)

See the 2020 Winners | 2019 Winners | 2018 Winners | 2017 Winners 

Resources to support prompt "Option 2: Argumentative":

**Possible rationale to support a counterclaim may include, but is not limited to the following:   

  • *What would we need to remove from the curriculum to make place for studying the Holocaust?
  • *Would study of the Holocaust preclude study of some other facet of history or literature?
  • *Would study of the Holocaust interfere with test preparation and/or college readiness?
  • *Why study the Holocaust, and not, say, some other human tragedy the study of which to mandate?

More Resources:

Where can I go to learn more about the Holocaust and to read/hear stories from survivors, rescuers, and others?

For some excellent free teaching materials, also check out:

• Teaching Tolerance - Southern Poverty Law Center
• Facing History and Ourselves
• Echoes and Reflections
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum