DEADLINE
April 1 | 2025
7:00PM
Has cancer affected your life?
Every cancer experience deserves to be heard!
Are you a childhood cancer survivor?
Have you helped a family member or friend deal with cancer?
Are you grieving a loss from cancer?
Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia is holding its 11th annual Ben Strauss Youth Essay Contests for Teens to share their stories about how cancer has been in their lives.
A cancer diagnosis can unleash a storm of emotions, questions, and unexpected discoveries, not just for the person with cancer—but for family and friends too!
We are looking for honest, detailed, personal essays by writers in 6th–12th grade who demonstrate an authentic ability to move readers by sharing their experience with cancer.
Please refer to the guidelines below for eligibility, rules and the judging process.
Contest Guidelines
Eligibility
- Students must have a cancer connection and live in Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware or Chester Counties
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The contest is divided into two categories:
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Middle School Contest: Open to students in 6th–8th grades.
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High School Contest: Open to students in 9th–12th grades.
Entry Rules
- Each student may submit only one original essay authored by the student.
- Parent permission is required.
- Digital Photo required.
- Middle School contest 500–750 words.
- High School contest 750–1500 words.
- Include essay title at the top of each page.
- Submit the essay in a Word document format.
- Do NOT include your name anywhere on the essay
Winning Essays/Awards Ceremony
- Winners will be informed on Wednesday, April 23, 2025
- Winners’ schools will be notified.
- All writers are invited to attend Awards ceremony Tuesday, May 13, 2025 @ 7pm CSCGP Gilda’s Club, 200 Kirk Rd. Warminster PA 18974
Essay Deadline
- Digital entry form, essay and photo must be submitted to Christina@cancersupportphiladelphia.org by 7pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2025.
- Essays must be emailed as a word document.
- Photos must be a jpeg file.
- After all 3 pieces are submitted, an acceptance email will be sent confirming your submissions and that you met the guidelines.
- Late entries will not be accepted.
All essays and photos will be posted on CSCGP website, social media and used in CSCGP programs and fundraisers.
Judging Process
Essays are evaluated in a fair and unbiased judging process. Submissions will be evaluated on:
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Clarity:
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Is your message clear and easy to understand?
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Does your essay capture the reader’s attention from the start?
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Correctness:
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Are grammar, punctuation, and spelling accurate?
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Are words used correctly, and do they convey their intended meaning?
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If scientific or historical facts are included, are they supported by credible references?
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Flow:
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Is the title interesting and suit the essay’s content?
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Do the opening lines engage the reader and lead naturally into the essay?
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Do the closing lines provide a thoughtful and fitting conclusion?
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Originality:
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Does the essay offer a unique perspective or stand out from others?
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Does it feel authentic, reflecting the author’s own voice, rather than borrowed ideas?
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Overall Impact:
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Does the essay leave a lasting impression on the reader?
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Is it memorable, resonating beyond the moment of reading? A forgettable essay likely lacks the depth or emotional connection of an exceptional one.
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Polish:
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Does the essay feel polished and refined, with every word purposefully chosen?
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Is it smooth and cohesive, with no awkward or clumsy phrasing?
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Does it reflect time, care, and effort in its creation, or does it seem rushed and unedited?
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