How to Judge

Entries should be judged on content more than spelling or grammar.
Limit trite expressions such as “mom is nice”, “best in the west”, “roses are red”.
Do not select winners solely because of financial need. “We need a diamond- we are so poor.”
Do not select entries that negatively describe their parents or home environment, such as, “She will be boring without one”, “My mom yells at me”, “She is getting divorced.”  Remember that these entries will be read to the mom and shown to others. 
Do not select any entries that are not written in the English language.

Plagiarism

We check for plagiarism, but in the event you discover an entry borrowed from a song lyric, poem, or other work, you must bring it to our attention.  We will send a copy of the entry to the teacher, with a letter explaining why the entry was disqualified.  We appreciate your help in our effort to keep this contest and all the winning submissons original.

Comparison Reference Guide

The following are some phrases from past Diamond Winners since 1993, for examples of exceptional writing or creative concepts by grade level.

Grade 1

-She fills my heart with caramel.

Grade 2

– My beautiful rose is fresh from the garden.
– Her eyes sparkle like rain dropping from the clouds.
– She plants seeds of confidence. My mom’s the gardener of my life.

Grade 3

– Because she is all the colors in my life.
– My mom is the stars brightening the world.

Grade 4

– Mother is natures way of saying, “Hooray!”
– Her hair is black, like the calm, silent night.
– She is my encouraging branch.
– My mom is a cozy place, like a warm cup of cocoa.

Grade 5

– The sunset is a sign that she is in my heart.
– Her laugh like one million tears being dried away.
– My mom’s like a calculator. Her love is exponential.
– Her voice calls upon the angels to sing.
– The warm hearth that has blazed me into myself.

Grade 6

– Her kisses- flawless bubbles.
– Yet an anchor, offering sanctuary from danger.
– Melting the iron surrounding our hearts.
– Mom, a perfect gem…a gift forever.
– Like ripples on the shore, made of waves
– She is the greatest wonder of creation.
–  Mom is beauty and grace all put into one face.
-The precious pilot of my life.

Grade 7

– Voice like silk, and laughter like the drumming of raindrops.
– She flicks on the light.. .  and the monsters are all gone.
– A book that never ends.  A candle that will never die.
– Mom is a masterpiece created with love.
– She, who architects my very soul.
– Playwright of my world.  Purest diamond. Divine author.
– Fragrant lavender of warmth and loving care.

Grade 8

– Her voice- a chorus of angels.
– Her kisses- a butterfly’s whisper.
– She’s like a nocturne, calming my soul.
– She taught me to respect life, while leaving my footprint.
– A whisper of words, like velvety lace.
– Soft summer’s glow, in securing embrace.