

Grades 9-12 (not older than 19)
Open to students who are asked to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in an effort to emphasize the values and principles that unite us as Americans. Each essay must adhere to the topic “Being an American: Explore the Values that Unite Us” and should fully answer the question: What civic value do you believe is most important 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 examples of how you have and/or could put this value into practice.
Essays may be no longer than 750 words, and must be submitted by a social science teacher sponsor online by 11:59 pm EST on December 1, 2009. Only online submissions made at http://www.beinganamerican.org/ will be accepted for the Contest. A teacher may submit up to five (5) essays during the Contest Period. Teachers submitting more than five essays during a Contest period will have all his or her essays disqualified for that Contest.
Award amount up to $5,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. in the spring of 2010.
Deadline is December 1, 2009.