The topic for the 2011-2012 school year is as follows:

     A French historian, Alex de Tocqueille, traveling in America shortly after the Revoluntionary War, wrote that America is a "Shining City on a Hill", because of our belief in liberty.  Through all these many years, the liberty we experience originated from the founding documents and principles.  One of the best examples of this is "The Bill of Rights", specifically the First Amendment, "Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition".

     Your objective with this essay is to read the First Amendment, and explain each provision and why the founding fathers felt they needed to have those rights listed.  Pick one or two historical conflicts or problems that may have arisen because of these rights.  Please give very specific examples, and use three direct quotes from a founding document to back up your points.

This provides the students with a chance to practice their writing skills while learning more about their country’s history and government.  First Prize is $200.00, Second Prize is $100.00, and Third Prize is $50.00. Each student who makes it to the final round (top 10 essays) will receive an Honorable Mention certificate.