The Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement recently sponsored an essay contest for which fourth and fifth grade students were invited to address the topic of the First Amendment, its importance to Americans, which freedom is the most important, and why.
Eisenhower fifth grade teacher Megan DeOre encouraged her students to participate, and Sam Hawk was selected to advance to the finals to be held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 18, 2024.
The next level of competition is a team challenge. Sam will be joined by a team of classmates for his final presentation which will be based on his essay. They must now come up with a three minute presentation to convey his essay theme, such as acting out a scene or an interview, writing a song or developing a commercial – or something else entirely!
Following the presentation, a team of moderators, including Former Governor Edward G. Rendell and Judge Marjorie O. Rendell, will ask the team a few questions about the issue and the group's opinion on the issue. The first place team will win $1,000.00 and the 2nd and 3rd place teams will win $500.00.
Please join the Indiana Area School District in wishing Sam and his team, as well as Ms. DeOre, the best of luck in the next round of competition.