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January 23, 2017

Burg Simpson Scholarship Competition - Deadline to Apply February 17th!

For the past several years, Burg Simpson has awarded college scholarships to graduating Colorado high school seniors who win our essay competition regarding the importance of the civil jury system and how it is being threatened. This year we are awarding a total of ten scholarships: nine $1,000 scholarships and one $2,500 scholarship. This is an outstanding opportunity for high school seniors to obtain additional funds for college, and learn about the importance of the civil jury system at the same time.  


Scholarship Details
One scholarship of $2,500 and nine scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to graduating seniors to attend the college of their choice. All 10 winners, their families, and a teacher of their choice will be invited to a dinner held in their honor. Winners will also appear at center court during half-time of the Colorado State Boys Basketball Championship game at the Coors Event Center in Boulder, Colorado on March 11, 2017.

Eligibility
Any graduating high school senior enrolled in a Colorado accredited school can enter.

Timeline
·         Applications Due: February 17, 2017
·         Winners Notified: February 24, 2017
·         Basketball Game: March 11, 2017
·         Scholarship Dinner: April 2017 (Date TBD)

Submissions
·         Essay submissions for the 2016-2017 contest will be accepted starting August 15, 2016. The contest deadline is Friday, February 17, 2017.
·         Essays can be submitted two ways:
o    Via mail to:
§  Burg Simpson Essay Competition
§  40 Inverness Drive East
§  Englewood, Colorado 80112
·         If mailed, students must complete and submit an application form with their essay, available online at www.burgsimpson.com/scholarship.
·         Essays submitted by mail must be postmarked or received no later than Friday, February 17, 2017. Any submission postmarked after Friday, February 17, 2017 will not be accepted.
§  Electronic submissions using the entry form must be submitted by 11:59 PM MST on Friday, February 17, 2017.

Selection Process
·         Winning selections will be notified on or around February 24, 2017.
·         All essays submitted become the property of Burg Simpson.
·         The decisions of the Burg Simpson selection board are final.
·         By entering any subsequent prize, winners agree to allow Burg Simpson the right to publish the entrant’s name, photograph images, all personal and other information (including general locations) for the purpose of Burg Simpson and the competition’s publicity, promotion, and news (including use in broadcast media, printed publications, editorial and PR activities, and online).

Essay Requirements
·         Essays must be the original work of the student. All sources used must be properly cited and included in the bibliography.
·         Essays cannot be more than 1,500 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count.
·         Students must include a properly formatted bibliography and use in-text citations for references. Consult your teachers for assistance.
·         Students must use a minimum of four (4) sources. Sources include, but are not limited to: books, magazines, periodicals, news articles, internet, or primary source material.

Essay Selection Criteria
·         Content (70%)
o    Addresses the topic by showing a demonstrated understanding of the threats to the jury system, and the importance of preserving the jury system for future generations.
o    Uses critical analysis to address the topic.
o    Thoughtful, original choice for essay topic.
o    Well-researched. At least four (4) sources properly cited with in-text citations and bibliography.
o    Convincing arguments supported with specific examples.
·         Presentation (30%)
o    Communicates ideas clearly.
o    Well-organized.
o    Correct syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
o    Written in a compelling and original manner.
o    Bibliography of four or more varied sources. Non-internet sources are highly recommended.
o    Thoughtfully selected, reliable sources.

Other Details
·         The Burg Simpson essay competition is not open to employees of the firm or their family members.
·         The decision of the judges is FINAL and is not subject to review.
·         The prize is exclusively for the winner and is neither transferable nor exchangeable.
·         The date of the CHSAA tournament is subject to change.

Questions?
·         Please contact Corey Wheeland at (303) 792-5595 or email scholarship@burgsimpson.com.