2006 Every Cover Has A Story
6th Annual Writing & Exhibiting Competition for Youth

TELL US A STORY

The American First Day Cover Society would like to know about your favorite cover and why it is important to you. (A "cover" is an envelope with a postage stamp and postmark.) The cover can be a first day cover, a special event cover, or any other interesting envelope that went through the mail. It can be from anyone or any place. You do not have to make the cover yourself.

We want to get you interested in our hobby. We want to know what you think about when you see a first day cover or other collectible piece of mail. You can tell us these things by showing the cover and writing about it. This activity will make you a beginning "cover exhibitor." 

WHO MAY ENTER and WHEN

The contest is open to young people in five age groups: 8 and younger, 9 to 11, 12 to 14, 15 or 16, and 17 or 18. Your age at the time of the contest deadline is what counts. Exhibits should be mailed to arrive not later than June 15, 2006. Each contestant may enter only once.

PRIZES

Winners in each age group may qualify for up to four prize levels: Grand Award, First Place, Second Place, or Third Place. Prizes will consist of award ribbons, several first day covers, and stamp collecting booklets or other philatelic materials appropriate for their age group. The winning exhibit pages will be displayed at AMERICOVER 2006 in Independence, Ohio, August 4-6. All entries will be returned to contestants after that weekend.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR EXHIBIT

One of these questions might help you write a true or made-up story about the envelope you choose to exhibit: Does it have a stamp that shows a subject important to you? Does the postmark have a phrase or picture that makes it special? Is there a picture on the envelope that inspires a make-believe story? Did something special happen to you or a family member on the day this cover was mailed?

Display your cover and story on an 8-1/2" by 11" sheet of card stock (stiff heavy paper). Your story should have a title at the top of the page. The story should be about 100 words long, neatly printed or typed so that the judges can read it. The story may be placed either above or below the cover. The best way to mount the cover (so that it can be removed later without damage) is to use small triangular "photo mounts" on the four corners. These are found at stationery stores, camera shops, and crafts stores.

On the back of your exhibit page, neatly print your name, age, birth date, and mailing address. (We need your address to send the page and any prizes back to you after the contest.) Slip the page into a clear page protector. Place the exhibit in a 9" x 12" envelope with a piece of stiff cardboard to prevent folding or damage. 

Mail your entry before June 15 to:
AMERICOVER 2006
Every Cover Has A Story Contest
214B 86th Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23451