ABMF Past is Prologue Essay Contest FAQ’s
Can students who are age 10 or age 19 on April 12, 2024, participate in the 2024 ABMF Past is Prologue Essay Contest? Participants must be 11-18 years of age on April 12, 2024, to participate in the 2024 ABMF Past is Prologue Essay Contest. If a participant is 10 or 19 years-old at midnight MDT on April 12, 2024, they are not eligible to participate.
Can I submit an essay through my school communication portal? All essays must be uploaded through the portal via the ABMF website, using the unique Participant ID that is sent with the Application Received email. We cannot access documents that are sent through school district communication portals. Photos of essays will not be accepted.
How will I know if ABMF has received my submitted essay? You will receive an email confirmation that we have received the essay. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact us at [email protected].
If I won in a previous year, may I participate again? No – you’re so good, we want to give others a chance! If you are a past winner of a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Prize, you may not participate in the Essay Contest, even if you would be in an older age group. If, however, you received an Honorable Mention in a previous contest, please put that good thinking to work and try again for a cash prize.
Do I need the signature / permission to participate of my parent or guardian if I am 18? Yes, because the age of majority is different in several states, and because part of the reason for the Contest is to prompt discussions between students and their adult editor (generally their parent/guardian), ABMF has made a blanket policy to require all participants to have the consent of their parent or guardian.
Are there any restrictions on how the prize money may be used? No, you earned it; you spend it! Many students save part of their winnings for higher education. Others have used the money to help with family expenses, or to buy a car.