David O. McKay Essay Contest

This essay contest is in honor of President David O. McKay, created to encourage a search for the high ideals contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to encourage the application of those principles in everyday life.

THEME: The Restored Gospel and Applied Christianity (Personal essays should stress the application of gospel ideals in daily living.)

ELIGIBILITY: All full-time students at Brigham Young University. Entries will be accepted in two divisions: Undergraduate Students and Graduate Students.

DEADLINE: Entries must be received by Friday, January 14, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

AWARDS: First Prize - $1,200 - Second Prize - $1,000 - Third Prize - $700

At the discretion of the judges, additional prizes of $450 and $300 may also be awarded. The judges reserve the right to withhold any award if entries do not merit the ratings established. 

Brigham Young University reserves the right to publish all winning essays.

RULES:  Essays are to be between 2,000 and 5,000 words; they will be judged on the basis of content, organization, clarity, and suitability for publication to an LDS audience. Entries must be typed and double-spaced, original and unpublished. Submit two stapled copies of your essay with a single cover sheet attached with a paper clip. All sources must be referenced. Entries will not be returned. The cover sheet must include your name, division (Undergraduate or Graduate), student I.D. number, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and title of entry. Also include the title on the actual essay. Your name should not appear on other pages of the essay. Winners will be notified by April 8, 2011.

SEND ENTRIES TO: David O. McKay Essay Contest, Religious Studies Center, 370 Joseph Smith Building, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602

If you have questions, contact the Religious Studies Center or the Center for the Study of Christian Values in Literature, 3184 Joseph Fielding Smith Building, BYU. Past volumes of winning essays are on reserve in the Harold B. Lee Library and available in the BYU Bookstore.

This contest is funded by a gift from Obert C. and Grace Tanner