U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) announced that The United States Capitol Historical Society is holding an essay contest on democracy for students in grades six through 12. The theme of the contest is “The Role of Informed Citizenship in Making Democracy Work,” and students must submit their entries by Friday, June 15, 2012.
“Utah students are among the brightest in the nation, and I encourage students from across the state to share their thoughts on how our nation’s democracy is shaped by the citizens it serves,” Hatch said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the rising generation to reflect on the importance of participating in democracy, and I know our students will not disappoint.”
Students are asked to consider the constitutional structure of the government and the role of the individual citizens making the American system of representative self-government work. Winners will be chosen from two divisions: junior (grades six to eight) and senior (grades nine to 12). Entries will be judged on the depth of their content, the mastery of the topic, and the skill with which they are written. Winners will be announced on Sept. 31, 2012, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries, with the first place winner receiving a trip to Washington, D.C. and a $1,000 grant for their school.
Additional details on entry requirements can be found on the Historical Society’s website HERE.