Bill, Bruce, Alex Filliez, Mikkel Langaard, Dr. Frim celebrate the essay winners.

 

AMERICANS UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE

STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

 COLLEGE- FGCU

The Greater Naples Chapter of Americans United’s essay contest encourages Florida Gulf Coast University students to reflect on why religious freedom and the separation of religion and government are important to them and their communities

This year’s contest focuses on the First Amendment to the Constitution and the respective “Establishment” and “Free Exercise” clauses.  We invite FGCU students to submit a piece of original writing that responds to the topic and meets the criteria below.  

TOPIC

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. states: “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .”

Does this strengthen or weaken the practice of religion in America?

CRITERIA

  • Essay length should be no more than 1,000 words.
  • Writing should be clear, creative; demonstrate genuine grappling with the topic; and be the student’s original writing.
  • Submissions should make persuasive arguments supported by specific examples and/or properly cited sources where appropriate. (Students may use their preferred citation or footnote style.) Essays can reference personal experiences, current events, legal cases, U.S. history, primary sources, and information from AU.org.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

  • The contest is open to students attending Florida Gulf Coast University.

PRIZES

  • First place: $1,500.
  • Second place: $1,000.
  • Third place: $500.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Submissions must be received electronically at whkorson@gmail.com, no later than 11:59PM ET on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 in a WORD or PDF format.  Please include class and email address with submission.

Participants will be notified on April 15, 2022 whether they are selected for a prize.

 

 

 

 

 Disclaimer: The Greater Naples Chapter reserves the right to withhold prizes if the submissions do not meet the quality standards as determined by the judges.