2009 Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Write an original and creative essay of less than 1,000 words that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage.  Use at least five varied sources such as newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews.

First-place winner is awarded $5,000.  Second-place winner receives $1,000 and up to five finalists each receive $500.

The contest is open to grades nine through twelve. 

It takes courage to stand up for your beliefs.  Here’s your chance to write a new profile in courage.

For complete guidelines, visit the Profile in Courage Award at www.jfklibrary.org

All students must register online.  Essays can be submitted online or via regular mail by the postmark date of

January 10, 2009.

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The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

If you’ve made a difference by volunteering in your community over the past year, you could win $1,000 and a fabulous trip to Washington, DC next May – by applying for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award!  Stop in the Career Center for a detailed flier.

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 It’s What YOU do that Counts!

Are you a young woman between the ages of 14 and 17 who volunteers in your community or school?  Who sees challenges instead of obstacles?  Hope instead of despair?  If you are a young woman who believes in the power of volunteer action, then you may be eligible to win a Violet Richardson Award. 

Violet Richardson, a physical education teacher, was the president of the first Soroptimist Club in 1921.  Violet believed in personal responsibility and the motto, “It’s what you do that counts.”  She lived her life accordingly – as an active volunteer in her community and as a pioneer in the health and physical education field.

Soroptimist is an organization of women whose members volunteer in their communities, often working on the same problems that you do.  Although they realize that volunteering is its own reward, they also know it feels good to be recognized for your actions.  And that’s why they sponsor this award.

Brochures and applications are in the Career Center.

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CONTESTS  FOR STUDENTS

Live Poets Society of New Jersey Contest

All US high school students are eligible to enter up until March 31^st of their senior year.  Poems must be 20 lines or less, unpublished, the sole work of the entrant, and not be entered in any other concurrent contest.  Only ONE poem per poet may be entered into each contest.  The Easterday Poetry Award of a $1,000. college scholarship will be awarded to the American High School Poets, “Poet of the Year”.  In addition there will be $500.-$100. scholarship prizes respectively.

Check out http://www.highschoolpoetrycontest.com/

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Back to School, Back to Savings Sweepstakes

ages 18+, Win $1,000 or a laptop computer and printer.  You may enter once each day until September 29, 2008

http://coupons.smartsource.com

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VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS Patriotic Audio Essay Competetion

Voice of Democracy Audio Essay

Their brochure includes an entry form and instructions for all students in grades 9-12.  Now in it’s 62^nd year, more than $2.5 million in scholarships and incentives are given in this program alone, plus our state winners receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

2008-2009 Theme:  "Service and Sacrifice By America’s Veterans Benefits Today’s Youth By . . . "

Deadline is November 1, 2008

Stop in the Career Center for a copy of the brochure.

Grand Prize:  $30,000 Scholarship

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AN ESSAY CONTEST FOR NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS