Historical essay contest sponsored by Keystone Federated Republican Women Deadline to submit is February

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

All middle and high school students who are schooled in Jefferson County are eligible to enter an essay contest sponsored by the Keystone Federated Republican Women (KFRW). First place wins an Award Certificate and $300; second place wins an Award Certificate and $200; and third place wins an Award Certificate and $100.
This year's topic asks students to research and write about one of the lesser known men who signed the Declaration of Independence: Carter Braxton (Virginia); Charles Carroll of Carrollton (Maryland); William Ellery (Rhode Island); Elbridge Gerry (Massachusetts); John Hart (New Jersey); Francis Hopkinson (New Hersey); Francis Lewis (New York); Thomas Lynch, Jr. (South Carolina); Thomas McKean (Delaware); Robert Morris (Pennsylvania); Thomas Nelson, Jr. (Virginia); or Caesar Rodney (Delaware).
Part one of the contest entry should take the form of a biographical narrative with particular attention to the subject's participation in the events leading up to and after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as well as details about his family, friends, education, beliefs, accomplishments, abolitionist views and character traits.
For part two of the contest entry, students should pretend to be a citizen of the colony that the person they selected represented in the Second Continental Congress. In a letter from the imaginary citizen's point of view, they should recite their subject's patriotic accomplishments and express an opinion about his value to the country.
Essays have specific requirements, must be postmarked no later than February 28, and should be sent to Keystone Federated Republican Women, P.O. Box 45, Monticello, Fla. 32345.
Interested students can obtain more detailed information about the topic and guidelines from their local public school, private school or home school association, all of which have already received the contest announcement. The contest packet also is available for download from the Club Events menu on the KFRW website: kfrwfl.org.
Winners will be announced at the KFRW monthly meeting at the American Legion Post 49 building on March 27, with an awards ceremony and reading of essays as time permits. Contestants should plan to attend.
Questions about the contest can be directed to Committee Chair Gretchen Wallace at (850) 997-1968, KFRW President Lynn Stafford at (850) 491-8755 or info@KFRWFL.org.