Essay Contest Offers Top Prize of $5,500
Annual Contest Open to All Seniors in Delaware Public, Private, Charter, and Home Schools
Dover, Del.–October 9, 2003 High school seniors across Delaware are now being encouraged to apply for Delaware’s annual Legislative Essay Scholarship. Each year, the Delaware Higher Education Commission (DHEC) administers this unique program,where up to 62 scholarships of $500 can be awarded for each senatorial and representative district in the state. District winners then compete for three statewide awards of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,500.The deadline to submit an essay on this year’s topic, “Lewis and Clark Expedition (The Corps Discovery): A Mission of Adventure, Science and the Human Spirit” is December 1st, 2003.
“The Legislative Essay Scholarship program not only broadens the student’s knowledge of American history, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to earn money for college,”said Maureen Laffey, Acting Executive Director of DHEC. “We are in the fifth year of this exciting scholarship program, and our goal is to provide a scholarship to a student in each of the 62 legislative districts.”Added Laffey, “My hope is that we will see the number of high school seniors submitting an essay doubled this year.”
Each year, a new topic is selected and focuses on events or people in American history from the period 1770 to 1860. In previous years, the subject has focused on influential Americans:George Washington, Frederick Douglass, James Madison and Abigail Adams. Students who apply must submit an original essay of 500 to 2,000 words.
The Legislative Essay Scholarship contest was established under legislation jointly sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep. Wayne A. Smith (R–Brandywine Hundred–North) and Senator David P. Sokola (D–Newark).
“I’m excited that in this, the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery, students will journey with Lewis and Clark as they explore ways in which the great expedition opened the West and ensured thatAmerica would be a continental nation,” says Smith.
Contest rules and applications are available from high school guidance counselors or from DHEC.Students can also download an application at www.doe.k12.de.us/high-ed/essay.htm.
For further information, contact DHEC at dhec@doe.k12.de.us or call at 302-557-3240, or 800-292-7935 (outside New Castle County).
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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education
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Contact Info.
Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us |
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