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2024 JFK
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About About
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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
ocial 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 ocial who takes a
stand based on his or her beliefs; 2) the actions of the ocial serve the public interest
or benefit the greater good, and 3) the ocial’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
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"
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
The winner receives a!$10,000!cash award"
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"
Second-place winner receives!$3,000
Five finalists receive!$1,000!each"
Ten semifinalists receive!$100!each"
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 ocial 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 ocial 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."