Chapters now have approximately six weeks to finalize preparations of their entries for the coveted Hallmark Awards to be presented April 29 - May 1 at the International Convention in Anaheim, California. Hallmark Award entries must be received at Phi Theta Kappa International Headquarters by 5 p.m., March 19, 1999!

Still waiting? Stomp out the dreaded "P" of procrastination, and make sure your chapter is recognized for the hard work members have contributed over the past year. Start by locating the 1999 Hallmark Awards Program Guide which contains the cover sheets and requirements for each entry. (Helpful Hint - Check under the pile of papers on your desk which you have been meaning to read and file.)

Eureka! Once the guide is found, you are ready to go! When reading the guide, you will soon realize that most entries require an essay, a chronological list, and letters of recommendation (for individual categories).

Does the thought of writing awe-inspiring essays and compiling a year's worth of events into an organized list give you a life-threatening case of writer's block? Never fear, the cure is here. Check out Phi Theta Kappa's  web site for samples of  winning  essays and chronological lists to get the creative juices flowing again.

In these final weeks, your chapter's Hallmark Awards Committee should finalize essays and chronological lists and gather all letters of recommendation to allow plenty of time for proofreading. Careless mistakes made during the last-minute rush can substantially affect the score of an entry. Don't allow last-minute mistakes to tarnish your chapter's quality entry.

Year after year, quality Hallmark Award applications are disqualified as a result of simple yet costly mistakes - mistakes that can be avoided. As you prepare your entries, follow these common sense reminders to avoid disqualification: