About The Contest

The Question: What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American? Trace the enduring importance of this value throughout the American story by discussing: a Founding document that reflects this value; a figure from American history who embodies this value; and ways you can personally put this value into practice.

The Prizes: 90 prizes will be awarded totaling nearly $200,000. Top prize winners will win $5,000 cash and a trip to Washington, D.C. for an Awards Gala and Weekend!

Submitting an Essay: The 2008-2009 Contest submission period has ended on December 1, 2008. For detailed rules, click here.

The Rules: Contest rules and regulations can be found here.