Celebrating 100 Years of Service by Inspring Future Leaders

Essay Contest

To mark a century of service in our community, the Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler is proud to launch our 100th Anniversary Post-Secondary Writing Contest.

We are looking for the next generation of changemakers. If your education, personal passions, and career goals reflect Rotary’s commitment to "Service Above Self," we want to hear your story.

The Challenge

Write an original essay (500 to 1,000 words) exploring how your studies, personal experiences, and future ambitions align with one or more of Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus:

  • Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
  • Disease Prevention and Treatment
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Basic Education and Literacy
  • Community Economic Development
  • Protecting the Environment

Show us how your values and vision will help build a better community and a better world.

Awards & Recognition

Ten (10) $1,000 CAD Scholarships awarded to winning entries

Official Certificate of Recognition

An invitation to be honoured in person at a future Rotary Club meeting

Eligibility & Submission Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

  • Must be a resident of Cambridge, Ontario.
  • Must be attending an Ontario post-secondary college or university during the 2026–2027 academic year.
  • Open to both new and returning post-secondary students (entrants under 18 require parental/guardian consent).

Format & Key Dates

  • Length: 500 to 1,000 words.
  • Format: Typed, double-spaced, and submitted electronically.
  • Limit: One entry per person.
  • Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026

How Entries Are Judged

Submissions will be evaluated by our panel based on:

  1. Alignment with Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus.
  2. Originality and depth of personal reflection.
  3. Clarity of Expression and overall quality of writing.
  4. Impact of your message and vision for the future.

Ready to Submit?

  1. Draft your original essay (500–1,000 words).
  2. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
  3. If under 18, complete the signed parental/guardian consent form.
  4. Submit your entry electronically via email to vocational@rotaryph.com

Have Questions?

Please reach out to our vocational team vocational@rotaryph.com

Contest Terms & Conditions

 

  1. Purpose and Agreement to Terms: By entering this contest, participants agree to abide by all official terms and conditions outlined below.
  2. Eligibility: Open to residents of Cambridge, Ontario who are enrolled in or attending an Ontario post-secondary institution for the 2026–2027 academic year. Participants under 18 years of age must submit a signed parental or guardian consent form with their entry.
  3. Submission Guidelines: Entries must be an original written work between 500 and 1,000 words, typed, and double-spaced. Entries must be submitted electronically by the posted deadline. Strictly one entry per person.
  4. Judging and Selection: Entries will be judged on alignment with Rotary’s Areas of Focus, originality, clarity of expression, depth of reflection, and overall potential impact.
  5. Awards and Recognition: Winners will receive a $1,000 CAD scholarship and a certificate of recognition, and will be invited to attend a Rotary Club meeting.
  6. Intellectual Property and Licence: Entrants retain copyright of their work. By entering, participants grant the Rotary Club of Cambridge Preston-Hespeler a non-exclusive licence to use essay titles and selected excerpts for promotional and educational purposes.
  7. Privacy: Personal information collected will be used solely for the administration of this contest and the public recognition of winners.
  8. Publicity Release: Winners consent to the public use of their name and essay excerpts in connection with contest announcements and promotional materials.
  9. Conduct: The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entry that violates the terms, infringes on third-party rights, or contains inappropriate content.
  10. Warranties and Indemnities: Entrants warrant that their submission is original work and does not infringe on any copyright or third-party rights.
  11. Limitation of Liability: The Sponsor is not responsible for technical failures, lost or late submissions, or unauthorized access to entry systems.
  12. Governing Law: This contest is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the applicable federal laws of Canada.
  13. General Rules: No purchase necessary. Odds of winning depend on the total number and quality of eligible entries received.
  14. Modification or Cancellation: The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the contest or alter prizes if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances without prior notice.