About the Contest
The Rotary International District 5300 Ethics Essay Contest is designed to challenge high school students to analyze the ethical issues and concerns they face in today's complex world. Students submit essays to their local Rotary Clubs and may, at the club's discretion, present their essays at a club meeting. Winners at the club level advance to the District Level and four winners at that level are awarded monetary prizes. The top three runners-up receive cash prizes of $500 each, plus $200 for their teacher, and the winner at the District Level gets $3,000 plus $1,000 for his/her teacher. The overall winning essay is presented at the DC.
2025/26 Contest Deadlines
Club Participation and Registration Fee ($350.)
Must be submitted to District 5300 by December 29, 2025, via DACdb
2025/26 Contest Deadlines
Club intent to Participate and Registration Fee must be submitted to District 5300 by November 15, 2025 via DACdb.
The contest is held on two competition levels:
Club level, and District level.
The student who wins first place at the Club level
advances to the District level.
Club Level
Club Level Contest must be held in late February to early March. The Club’s winning essay must be completed by Early March for submission to the District.
District Level
Club’s winning Essay must be submitted by email to the Contest District Chair by Late March , via:districtessaycontest@mtbrotary.org
The winning District Essays will be presented at the Distrcit Learning Seminar in May.
Important Information
Please Download
Rotary Ethics Essay brochure 2025-26 (PDF)
Rotary Hensel Ethics Essay Flyer 2025-26 (PDF)
Rotary Ethics Essay Contest Deadlines 2025-26 (PDF)
Rotary Ethics Essay Student Entry form 2025-26 (PDF).
Rotary Ethics Essay Entry form to District 2025-26 (PDF)
Rotary Ethics Essay principal Letter (PDF)
![]() | Manuel L. Franco Montebello Chair Contact |



