me arts ed

First Freedom Student Competition

This national essay and video contest offers 9th – 12th grade students an opportunity to compete for $2,500 awards as they examine the First Amendment and history and implementation of freedom of religion and conscience in American democracy and the world today.  Students then present their evaluation in written essay or video format.

This school year, students will select a religion from their local community, state or region that was or is a minority group.  They will research and analyze its history as it encounters issues of religious freedom and equality, and then, by written essay or video production, present their evaluation of how this group’s local history compares to the broader narrative of U.S. history and First Amendment law. For the complete topic, essay and video guidelines, registration, classroom poster, student flyer and other details, visit http://www.firstfreedom.org, and then click on the First Freedom Student Competition button.

Student online registration is required on or before Monday, November 17, 2014, and the postmark deadline for students to mail their essays or videos with the accompanying entry materials is Monday, November 24, 2014.  Winners will be announced on Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, April 13, 2015.

Please forward this email to your social studies, English, media, library, guidance and other appropriate educators—and we will look forward to more great entries from Maine students in this school year’s First Freedom Student Competition!

If you have any questions please contact Sandra M. Poulsen, Coordinator, First Freedom Center, 1321 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, 804.643.1786 phone, competition@firstfreedom.org. Visit us online at: http://www.firstfreedom.org