Who can enter?

Only currently enrolled students (grades K to 12) in Nevada can submit entries for consideration. Participants under the age of 18 must have parental/guardian consent before submitting entries.

How will entries be judged? Who will judge?

Entries will be judged by a panel of professionals in the media and broadcast industry, who will judge on students’ abilities to address the Spirit of Nevada theme. Judges will look at Content, Persuasiveness, Creativity, Production/Presentation and Awareness.

Content: Content is original, accurate, and interesting. Topic is well-addressed

Persuasiveness: Entry covers the topic with details and/or examples. Presentation is realistic and compelling.

Creativity: Entry shows original and creative ideas. Production/Presentation: The message is conveyed through appropriate tone and/or voice. (For videos: The recording is clear. All elements coincide with the entry’s message. Entry has excellent use of setting, light, color, graphics, effects, sounds, etc.)

Awareness: The entry raises awareness to the public.

How will the winners be announced?

The winning entries will be chosen by Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm and be notified and featured on the law firm website and awards website.

Can participants use other people’s material?

Entries must contain all original material (including music, images, etc.) or material in the public domain. No trademarked, copyrighted, or otherwise branded materials, logos, products, etc., may be used without express written permission from the owner, business, and/or organization. This can include logos on t-shirts, trademarked brands on products, etc. If entries contain copyrighted, branded, and/or trademarked materials without proper permission, those entries will be disqualified.

Can I use real-life experiences?

Yes, Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm encourages people to share their true stories. Depending on the nature of the entry, students may be asked to submit additional waivers that give express permission to use photographs, names, and/or other pertinent material in the entry. Completed Student Release Forms must be turned in with entries, if applicable. All participants must knowingly agree to appear in entries and must complete and sign any required Student Release Forms.

What are the prizes?

• High School students (9th – 12th grade) will receive a $1,000 and iPad Mini and the teacher of the student
  will receive a $500 Amazon Gift Card. There will be one winner per category and a total of four winners.
• Middle School students (6th – 8th grade) will receive an iPad Mini and $200 and the teacher of the student will receive a
  $500 Amazon Gift Card. There will be one winner per category and a total of four winners.
• Elementary School students (kindergarten – 5th grade) will receive an Amazon Fire and $100 and the teacher of the student will receive a $500 Amazon Gift Card. There will be a total of four winners.

Does it cost anything to enter?

There is no charge for submitting an entry.

Can I submit more than one entry?

Yes. Participants may submit up to two entries.

Can entries be disqualified?

Entries will be disqualified if they contain vulgar or inappropriate content; are not turned in with all proper paperwork; or use of copyrighted material. Remember, video and musical entries must not exceed 7 minutes in length.

No trademarked, copyrighted, or otherwise branded materials, logos, products, etc., may be used without express written permission from the owner, business, and/or organization. This can include logos on t-shirts, trademarked brands on products, etc. If entries contain copyrighted, branded, and/or trademarked materials without proper permission, those entries will be disqualified. Completed Student Release Forms must be turned in with entries if applicable. All participants must knowingly agree to appear in entries and must complete and sign any required Student Release Forms.

Can adults assist in production?

Adults may assist with production, but they are limited to only verbal guidance. Adults are allowed to be actors, but not content contributors. This does NOT apply to elementary students.

How many students can work on one entry?

Submissions for all grade levels are to be made as one student per entry. Group entries are not permitted.

What is the deadline?

ALL entries must be submitted online or in-person by Friday, December 29, 2023, at 5 p.m.

WINNERS will be announced on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Can participants make animated videos with hand-based sketches or drawings of their own?

Yes!

May it be a silent movie with a background song?

Music and sounds may be used, but they can’t be copyrighted. See the rules for complete details.

For questions not answered here, contact award@spiritofnevada.org.