2017 Essay Contest
As participants of the 500 Festival Education Program, fourth grade students are invited
to submit an entry for the annual essay contest. Students will respond to the following
writing prompt.
Accelerating the American Spirit
Each year the 500 Festival celebrates race weekend with one of the
largest parades in the United States. The parade includes floats, bands,
balloons, 33 500 Festival Princesses, the 33 race car drivers, and a Grand
Marshal.
This year’s parade theme, Accelerating the American Spirit, salutes
America on Memorial Day Weekend while celebrating the traditions that
surround the Indianapolis 500.
Imagine the 500 Festival has asked you to select a Grand Marshal for the
2017 parade. Who would you choose? What patriotic traits does this
person possess? Why does this person deserve to serve as the Grand
Marshal? Convince the 500 Festival that your recommendation is the best
choice.
Rules
1. The 2017 essay contest is open to all Indiana fourth grade students whose
classrooms are registered for the 500 Festival Education Program.
2. Entries are limited to 300 words or less.
3. Entries may be typed or handwritten.
4. Entries will be judged on the basis of focused ideas, compelling word choice,
strong voice, and standard writing principles.
5. Entries must be accompanied by an official entry form. (In addition, please print
the student’s name on the back of the essay.)
6. Entries must be postmarked by Friday, April 21, 2017.
7. The winner will be announced the week of May 8, 2017.
8. Essays will not be returned.
PRIZES
Participants
All participants will receive a signed Hero Card from an IndyCar driver
Runner-Ups
2nd and 3rd place participants will receive a 500 Festival Gift Pack, which includes (but is
not limited to):
Hero Card
500 Festival Backpack
IndyCar Diecast
Signed Indianapolis Motor Speedway® flag
Winner
1st place participant will receive an Indianapolis 500® Race Package, which includes
(but is not limited to):
Hero Card
500 Festival Backpack
IndyCar Diecast
Signed Indianapolis Motor Speedway® flag
Four (4) tickets to the IPL 500 Festival Parade
Four (4) tickets to the Indianapolis 500®
Teacher(s)
Teacher(s) of the winner and runner-ups will receive two (2) Indianapolis 500®
Qualification tickets and two (2) tickets to the IPL 500 Festival Parade.
Mail essay entry with official entry form attached to:
500 Festival, Inc.
Education Program Essay Contest
21 Virginia
Suite 500
2015Avenue,
Essay Contest
2016 EssayINContest
Indianapolis,
46204
OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM
2017 Essay Contest
OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM
(Please print)
Student: ______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian: _______________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________ Zip: _____________________
Daytime Phone: ________________________________________________________
School: _______________________________________________________________
Teacher: ______________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Email: ________________________________________________________
Principal: ______________________________________________________________
School Address: ________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________ Zip: _____________________
School Phone: _________________________________________________________
This entry verifies the work is an original by the above named student. Entries will be
retained by the 500 Festival, Inc. and will not be returned to students. The 500 Festival,
Inc. may use the student’s name, photograph and essay in media publications.
Student Signature: _____________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________