2010 Profile in Courage Essay Contest
From the Office of the Guidance Counselor
by Brenda Breth
2011 will mark the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy.
It takes courage to stand up for your beliefs. Some elected officials risk their careers to do right by their community and country. In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy described eight U.S. elected officials who demonstrated political courage. Here’s your chance to write a new profile in courage.
The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation invites U.S. high school students to write an original essay on the political courage of a U.S. elected official. For contest information, registration, and to submit your essay online, visit the Profile in Courage Award Program at www.jfklibrary.org.
Promoting student involvement in the civic life of our country is one of President John F Kennedy’s most important legacies and a critical mission for the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.
Through the Profile in Courage Essay Contest, students can explore the compelling concept of political courage. They have the exciting opportunity to research, write, and develop critical thinking skills as they delve into the complexities of politics and the importance of leadership. The essay contest also meets national standards in social studies and language arts.
Essay Topic: Write an original and creative essay of less than 1,000 words that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage. Use at least five varied sources such as newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews to describe and analyze the decisions, actions, and risks of an elected public official in the United States since 1956 who has courageously addressed a political issue at the local, state, national, or international level.
Guidelines:
•Subject must be an elected official in the United States since 1956. Students are encouraged to choose an original subject and tell a story that has not yet been told.
•Essays must demonstrate an understanding of President Kennedy’s definition of political courage (see www.jfklibrary.org).
•Essays must include a bibliography of at least five varied, reliable sources, including a non-internet source.
Awards
•First-place winner is awarded $5,000. Second-place winner receives $1,000 and up to five finalists each receive $500.
Eligibility
•United States high school students in grades nine through twelve
•All students must register online. Essays can be submitted online (preferred) or via regular mail by the postmark date of January 10, 2011.
For complete guidelines, visit the Profile in Courage Award at www.jfklibrary.org
