It started as a question among several local leaders: “How can we get youth actively engaged in discourse and civic conversations?”
Pat Sherrill, president of the Tri-County Democratic Women’s organization, wanted to find a way to get the youth of Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties talking about the process of democracy and freedom of speech. Her answer was to create TCDW’s first essay contest.
A five-person committee from the organization crafted the essay question, “Why is freedom of speech an essential freedom for society?”
The details
The free contest opens today and is available to any high school student in grades 10-12 in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties.
“They can be enrolled in a public school, private school, Democrat, Republican, independent or not political at all. We want everyone’s opinion.”
Entrants must write 500-750 words on the given topic only. Students can submit their essays online at www.tricountydwc.org. All essays must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15, with one entry per student.
The judging
Five judges have been selected from a pool of community leaders, with only one of the judges representing TCDW. Sherrill laid out the judging criteria.
“We are looking for original opinions, and how well the writers express an understanding of the topic and their views,” Sherrill said.
The judges are searching for the writers to present their personal feelings, hopes and fears. Sherrill wanted to alleviate stress among the students.
“Grammar and punctuation are on bottom of our list,” she said. “We care more about clear organization and original thinking than comma placement or grammar rules.”
The prizes
Aside from bragging rights among their peers, first-, second- and third-place winners will all have their essay featured in the Cherokee Scout, which is a co-sponsor of the contest. But there’s cash as well.
First place will earn $300, with second and third places also receiving cash prizes. The committee plans to honor the winners during an award ceremony in April.
Sherrill wants the students to become excited about immersing themselves in their communities at the civic level.
“Everything that is happening will affect them in the long run,” she said. “I want them to see that they have a stake.”
For details and questions, email tcdwessaycontest@gmail.com. Look for the flier on the Scout’s Facebook page.