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Orientation Agenda 1. Welcome 2. Background/previous winners 3. Where and When 4. Judging criteria 5. Tips and lessons learned 6. Resources 7. Communication plan 8. 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 19 th, 2015 Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building Education Court. Ashburn, VA 20148

Prizes and Recognition 1 st place - $1,000 2 nd place - $500 3 rd place - $250 4 th – 10 th 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

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 Criteria 2. 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

Resources Don’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 regularly. Check Contact: 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 Tally Ho 5/3 – Step Up Your Health 5K AOL 5/30 – 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