With the theme “building on the past, sharing the present and growing for the future,” the Lawrence, KS Juneteenth Organization welcomes essay submissions from students in ninth through 12th grades on the topic of voting rights.
The essay contest celebrating the now-federal holiday asks writers to choose an influencer of the voting rights movement, according to a Facebook post. In 500-1,000 words, writers should describe what their work has meant to them personally and what steps they will take “in the future to help preserve” that influencer’s legacy.
Prizes awarded are $500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third.
Those interested in entering the contest should first confirm their intent by submitting their name, grade and school attended by email to Cathy White at clucwhite@hotmail.com no later than Friday, March 4. Respondents will then receive more information about an optional Zoom meeting on how to write a winning essay.
Essay submissions are due Friday, May 6 via email to Cathy White at the address above. Additional format requirements are double spaced with 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins.
To learn more about last year’s winning essays, click here. Listen to them read their essays in the recording of the 2021 Juneteenth virtual celebration at this link.
