2024 JFK

2024

About the Contest

The John F. Kennedy Proﬁle in Courage Essay Contest is!a competition that

challenges students to write original essays that demonstrate their understanding of

political courage!"

The contest is based on President John F. Kennedy's 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning

book, Proﬁles in Courage, which tells the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked

their careers to take unpopular positions for the greater good.!These leaders

demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of

pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents.

What is Political Courage?

Focus on what is meant by courage as it relates to politics and write about an elected

oﬃcial who has followed his/her conscience to the possible detriment of his/her

career.!"

An act of political courage involves three elements: 1) an elected oﬃcial who takes a

stand based on his or her beliefs; 2) the actions of the oﬃcial serve the public interest

or beneﬁt the greater good, and 3) the oﬃcial’s stand is at odds with his/her

constituents, or with interest groups instrumental to his/her success."

The best way to deepen your understanding of political courage is to read!Proﬁles in

Courage by John F. Kennedy

Eligibility and Requirements

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The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve "

•

Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words% "

•

Essays must have a minimum of ﬁve sources such as government documents, letters,

newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews"

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All students must list the name of their nominating teacher on the registration form "

•

The role of a nominating teacher is to provide students with support and advice during the

writing of their essay. Nominating teachers are also asked to read students' essays to

make suggestions for improvement before they are submitted to the essay contest."

•

Nominating teachers can be former or current teachers, but must still be teaching at the

same high school as the essay participant.

Recognition and Awards

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The winner receives a!$10,000!cash award"

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If the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation holds the 2025!Proﬁle in Courage Award event in

person, the!winner and family will be invited to travel to!Boston to accept the award!in May

2025"

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Second-place winner receives!$3,000

•

Five ﬁnalists receive!$1,000!each"

•

Ten semiﬁnalists receive!$100!each"

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Eight students receive honorable mentions"

•

All participants receive a Certiﬁcate of Participation

Contest Topic

Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected oﬃcial who

served during or after!1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Include an

analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act.

The essay may concern an issue at the local, state, national, or international

level."

Since originality is one of the criteria for judging, we strongly encourage

students to proﬁle an oﬃcial in their town, state or region, or a leader who has

addressed an issue of great concern to them. We advise students to avoid

selecting a common essay subject. To assist in determining common essay

subjects, please see the list below."