Presented by

Orientation Agenda

1. Welcome2. Background/previous winners3. Where and When4. Judging criteria5. Tips and lessons learned 6. Resources7. Communication plan8. Questions

Step Up Loudoun Youth

Competition 2014 Top 3 Winners

Special Needs Dream: Special needs awareness

Happiness Don’t Drink and Drive

Expect Respect

When and Where

Thursday, March 19th, 2015

Loudoun County Public Schools

Administration Building21000 Education Court.

Ashburn, VA 20148

Prizes and Recognition

• 1st place - $1,000

• 2nd place - $500

• 3rd place - $250

• 4th – 10th place - $100

Cash prizes will be awarded during a post-competition reception held on 3/26 at 6 PM in downtown Leesburg.

Competition Details• Set Up 5 pm

• Check in –team name, individuals, confirmation

• Set up space: tables will be assigned

• Preparation: Practice, practice, practice your elevator pitch

• Judging begins promptly at 6:00 pm

www.loudounyouth.org

Competition Details• Dress: Business Casual• Team Shirts or Themed Attire• Teams will be randomly selected for

videos (unrelated to scoring) • Confirm winning team contact for

award • Top 10 teams are invited to Post-

Competition reception to present their projects, receive awards and speak with community representatives. Open to the public.

Judging Criteria

1. Issue Analysis: Judges are looking for:

• Informative• Insightful• Multiple viewpoints or

perspectives of the issue• Analysis and background on the

issue

Judging Criteria2. Solution Quality: Judges are looking for:

• Effective in addressing the issue

• Creativity• Originality

Judging Criteria

3. Community Impact: Judges are looking for:

• Current plan implementation,• Plan for continuity of project• Viability of continuity

4. Presentation: Judges are looking for:

• Clear articulation• Effective visuals• Confidence: Know your topic • Captivating• Practice

Judging Criteria

Tips and Lessons Learned

• Go low-tech. Do not rely on technology or handouts.

• Put yourselves in the judge’s shoes.

• Connect with the judges and communicate your purpose, method, and outcomes verbally. Make eye contact.

• Keep the authenticity in your display.

Ask for Help• Talk to a trusted

adult. Ask for their input as needed throughout the process.

• If you need an advisor, let us know.

• Ask for other connections.

Lessons Learned• Don’t get discouraged by setbacks in your project. Many of the most successful people in the world had many setbacks before their success.

• If you are a team, divide tasks based on strengths and weaknesses, but always remember you are working towards a common goal.

“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize

how close they were to success when they gave up.”

― Thomas A. Edison

ResourcesDon’t be afraid to ask questions. The SULYC coordinators are here to guide you. No question is too small or too big. We will do our best to help.

Stay Connected

• Check your email regularly.

• Check www.loudounyouth.org

• Contact:

mmoore@loudounyouth.org

info@loudounyouth.org

• Final Check In requirement due by 3/12 !

Follow us on social media for updates

Important Dates!• 1/16 – Battle of the Bands

• 2/13 – Battle of the Bands

• 3/13 - Battle of the Bands

• 4/17 – Finals for the Battle of the Bands @ Tally Ho

• 5/3 – Step Up Your Health 5K Challenge @ AOL

• 5/30 – YouthFest @ One Loudoun

• 7/13 – Leadership Loudoun Youth

• 8/3 – Leadership Loudoun Youth

Step Up Loudoun Youth

Competition

• Final Check in 3/12

• Competition Date 3/19

• Awards Reception 3/26