Essay contest for Kentucky high school students

(Feb 2, 2021) By Natalie Smith
Essay contest for Kentucky high school students

Kentucky high school students are invited to submit a short essay (750-1,000 words) as part of a contest sponsored by the McConnell Center's Civic Education Program. The essay prompt is: “What is your favorite Federalist or Anti-Federalist document? Why do you think it is important today?”

The contest is inspired by the McConnell Center’s newest publication, Reflection and Choice: The Federalists, the Anti-Federalists, and the Debate that Defined America, edited by McConnell Center Director Gary L. Gregg II, PhD, and Aaron N. Coleman, PhD. Reflection and Choice is a new edition of the Federalist Papers that also includes selections from more than 40 Anti-Federalist writings.  

The McConnell Center also offers a monthly podcast and companion reading guide to help readers consider how themes from Reflection and Choice relate to contemporary political and social challenges. UofL McConnell Scholars and members of the Teachers Scholars Program are reading the book over the 2020-2021 academic year. 

Awards will be given to top submissions. The first place winner will receive an honorary plaque, an invitation to appear as guests on the McConnell Center Podcast and a copy of Reflection and Choice: The Federalists, the Anti-Federalists, and the Debate that Defined America. Additionally, winning students' social studies teachers will receive a printed copy of each of the McConnell Center's educational resources for their classroom. Second and third place winners will receive complimentary copies of Reflection and Choice

The deadline to enter the competition is March 31. Contact Natalie Smith, McConnell Center Civic Education Coordinator, for more information.