Official Rules

Entrants must be on track to graduate in 2012. Essays must be from 600 to 800 words and emailed, faxed or postmarked before March 1, 2012. Students may submit only one entry.

Contestants are encouraged to discuss the essay topic with teachers, parents, friends, and other mentors, but each contestant must write the essay himself or herself, in his or her own words.

De La Rosa & Co. will establish a panel of judges who will look for writing that is clear, articulate and well organized. Essays will be judged on both style and content. Decisions made by the judges are final.

Immediate family members of elected or appointed officials of the 25 school districts participating, or employees of De La Rosa & Co. are not eligible for this contest.

All essays must be accompanied by:

• cover sheet including the contestant's name, address, phone number, email address, high school, and the name of a parent or guardian
• statement signed by the contestant that the essay submitted is the original work of the contestant
• statement signed by the parent or guardian indicating that the parent or guardian approves of the contestant's participation in the scholarship essay contest
• statement by a school official confirming that the contestant is a student in good standing, on track to graduate from the 12th grade in 2012
• Release form signed by the student, parent or guardian, and person(s) named or identified in essay.

Click here for an online version of these documents.

Email Submissions:
Essays may be attached as a single-spaced Microsoft Word document or embedded in the message portion of the e-mail. E-mail your essay and accompanying statements to: fabricofsociety@ejdelarosa.com

Surface Mail Submissions:
Essays sent by U.S. mail or delivery service must be typewritten double-spaced. Include a word count with the essay. Send your entry to:
      The Fabric of Society
      De La Rosa & Co.
      10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1650
      Los Angeles, CA 90024

Online Submissions:
Click here for an online submission form.

Essays must be emailed or postmarked before Thursday, March 1, 2012. Winners will be notified by May 1, 2012.

De La Rosa & Co. is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible, or incomplete submissions.

By entering, you agree that your essay will become the property of De La Rosa & Co. and will not be returned. De La Rosa & Co. reserves the right to print and display the essays and photographs of the contest winners.