--Annual contest open to all seniors in Delaware public, private and home schools--

( Dover, DE) – High school seniors in Delaware are highly encouraged to apply for the annual Legislative Essay Scholarship contest. This year, students must submit an essay between 500 and 2,000 words on the topic: “E Pluribus Unum: Is this motto adopted in 1782 relevant to our country today?”

Up to 62 nonrenewable scholarships of $1,000 can be awarded for each senatorial and representative district in the state. All district winners compete for three statewide nonrenewable awards of $10,000, $7,500, and $5,000.

"We are in the ninth year of this exciting scholarship program,” says Maureen Laffey, Director of the Higher Education Commission, which administers the program. “The Legislative Essay Scholarship program not only broadens the student’s knowledge of American history, it is also a great opportunity to earn money for college."

The contest was established under legislation jointly sponsored by previous House Majority Leader Rep. Wayne A. Smith (R-Brandywine Hundred-North) and Senator David P. Sokola (D-Newark).  "E Pluribus Unum was, for most of its history, the motto of the government of the United States,” said Senator Sokola.  “In 1782, it was adopted on the Great Seal of the United States.  Translated from Latin, it means ‘Out of Many, One’ and is included on most U.S. currency.  In 1956, however, the motto was changed to ‘In God We Trust.’”  Added Sokola, “I hope high school seniors use this opportunity to enter this year’s contest which can help defray the cost of college.”

A new topic is selected each year and focuses on events, people, philosophies, technologies, governments, or ideals in American history from approximately 1770 to 1860. Previous contest topics have been George Washington, Frederick Douglass, James Madison, Abigail Adams, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin. Last year students wrote essays on the concept “all men are created equal.”

To apply, students must adhere to the contest rules and regulations and submit an original essay of between 500 to 2,000 words with their application to the Higher Education Commission by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 30, 2007.

For more information, call the Commission at 302-577-5240 or 800-292-7935 (outside New Castle County) or send an email to dhec@doe.k12.de.us. Paper applications are available upon request, but students are encouraged to apply online at www.doe.k12.de.us/dhec.

Delaware’s Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.