Essay Contest Guidelines:

The Soloist: A Lost Dream, An Unlikely Friendship and the Redemptive Power of Music, by Steve Lopez

This true story revolves around Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless and his friendship with Lopez, a Los Angeles columnist who writes about Ayers in the newspaper.

Copies of The Soloist are available for checkout at the KCC Library, 787.2 Ay24I and Paperback Section or Willard Library. Copies may also be purchased from the KCC Bookstore or Barnes & Noble.

Visit the Campus Read LibGuide for more information on The Soloist and for research help.

Rules:

• Open to current Kellogg Community College students.
• Entries must be an original, unpublished work, between 800-1000 words, roughly 2-3 pages, typed and doubled spaced, using Arial or Times New Roman font, 12 point.
• Essay content should focus on a theme relevant to the book. Possible themes include: Homelessness; Poverty; Mental Illness; Music. Students are encouraged to write on a theme of personal interest to them and explore the theme’s relevance to them and society.
• Format paper according the MLA (Modern Language Association) style, include a separate title page for judging purposes. On the title page include the title of the essay, your name, address, email address and phone number.
• Names should not appear on the essay. Include a minimum of two sources.
• Due on Monday, March 15, 2010 by 5pm. Turn in your printed essay to the KCC Library, Info Desk.
• Essays will be judged by a panel of four persons, including KCC Faculty Members Glenda Morling and Matt Samra, KCC Student, Peggy Korpela, and Haven of Rest staff memeber.

Criteria for judges' decisions

• Quality and suitability of content. Does the content relate to the text?
• Originality and thoughtfulness of content. Does the writer’s exploration of selected theme show depth of thought? Is a conclusion reached?
• Grammar, punctuation and writing mechanics. Is the essay free from errors?
• Composition and writing. Is the writing interesting? Is the essay well organized with an introduction, thesis, body and conclusion?
• Adherence to contest guidelines.

Prizes

• 1st Prize: $100 Cash
• 2nd Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to KCC Bookstore & Store Gift Card
• 3rd Prize: $25 Gift Certificate to KCC Bookstore & Store Gift Card

Winners will be announced at the April 23rd author appearance program in Binda Performing Arts Center at 11:00 am. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners will receive an autographed copy of The Soloist and may have their photos taken with author Steve Lopez during his visit to KCC on April 23rd.

If you have any questions about the contest contact: