Welcome to Connecticut's Laws of Life Essay Program! 

​The Laws of Life Essay Program is a character education essay writing contest that includes students reflecting, writing and discussing their laws of life (ethical values) that help people live productive and meaningful lives.  Laws of Life values should lead to positive and life-affirming essays.  The essays may describe the laws of life of individuals in history, literature or in their own life story. The contest is available to all Connecticut schools and students in grades 5-12. Those outside of Connecticut are invited to use any resource here to begin their own program.

Between now and January 30, 2019, coordinators (supporting multiple teachers) or teachers can register their class(es) to participate in Laws of Life. Coordinators or teachers will then identify their best essays (1 per 50 student writers) for submission to SEE by March 4, 2019 for statewide judging.

Early essay submissions are encouraged. Laws of Life essays are a great way to start a school year by identifying and discussing values that can help support a positive classroom environment.
Laws of Life concludes each year with a Celebration Dinner for the writers, their teachers and family.  Pictured above are the top ten essay writers
that attended the celebration in 2018.

Essays submitted to SEE are sent to volunteer judges for scoring in March.  Laws of Life essay judges include university faculty, newspaper reporters and other professionals committed to ethics and character. Essays are read by at least two judges. Judges are not provided the name of the essay author or their school. Scoring is completed, scores averaged and ranked and winners announced during the first week of April.

​The top ten essayists are invited along with two guests and their teacher to attend SEE's Character Celebration banquet, which is usually held on the first Wednesday in May.

​To register for the 2018-2019 Laws of Life Essay Program Connecticut, click on the "Register Here" button in the right column and complete the form. 
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Registration closes on
Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
SEE is a non-sectarian 501(c)3 education organization that obtains meaningful financial support from public and foundation grants, fees for services, and gifts from those who support ethics in action. SEE is not affiliated with any religious organization and does not espouse or represent any specific religious belief.

​About Laws of Life

Laws of Life ​Blog

Program Handbook

Important Dates

​Essay Submission Form

Judge's Scoring Guide

Judge's Scoring Form

2019 Celebration Invitation & RSVP 
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​2017 - 2018 Celebration Pictures 
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2016 - 2017 Celebration Pictures
​​Ethics in action creates character