Essays are written in English, are no longer than 500 words and relate to the annual theme for that year of the convention.
No student may enter more than one essay, and each school is limited to 5 entries per grade level. Each contestant should include one cover sheet and one typed, double spaced copy of his or her essay. The cover sheet should contain the contestant's name, school, grade, and the name and signature of his or her Latin teacher. The page(s) of the essay itself should not contain any of this identifying information. The signature of the sponsor indicates the sponsor's awareness and approval of the contents of the essay.
Judging will be by grade level (grades 7 through 12). The criteria for judging will be use of convention theme, organization, use of language, continuity, creativity, and mechanics.