LVWessay
Henry Clay High School dominated the Lexington League of Women Voters’ annual essay contest, which encouraged students to examine and assess their understanding of a recent Supreme Court decision, according to a press release.
Top honors and $250 went to Amir Abou-Jaoude, a freshman in the Liberal Arts Academy, for “That Clinking Clanking Sound … That’s What Makes Elections Go Round.” Emily Salamanca was runner-up ($150), and Kayla Beebout took third place ($100).
This year was the first time that one class at one school swept all three prizes. (The essays are scored blind with no identifying information.) Social studies and government teacher Scott Brown received all three honorariums totaling $200.
Students were asked to consider three questions:
– What did the Citizens United decision say about the rights of corporations, and what rationale and misgivings were expressed in the justices’ opinions?
– What effect has that decision had on the 2012 campaign?
– Having witnessed these changes, what position do you take regarding the Supreme Court decision and why?
“We were impressed with the students’ obvious preparation and exploration of the topic as well as the quality of their final products. These ninth-graders raise a high bar for next year’s competition,” said Judy Johnson, who coordinated the contest.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization of women and men dedicated to engaging citizens to become informed participants in government.