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13. America 250 Essay Contest guidelines

    The City of Portland

    Patriotic Essay Contest For Portland High School Seniors

    
    

    Purpose of the Contest

    • The purpose of the Patriotic Essay Contest is to encourage high school seniors to reflect on the founding and freedoms of these United States

    
    

    Eligibility

    • The contest is open to all currently enrolled Portland High School Seniors

    
    

    Essay Topic

    Essays should address one or more of the following themes:

    • The founding ideals and principles of America
    • The Pilgrim’s desire for religious freedom and independence
    • The basis for the founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights

    
    

    Essay Requirements

    • Essays must be the original work of the student and may not have been previously published, submitted to other contests, or generated using any type of Artificial Intelligence
    • Length: 750–1,000 words
    • Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font 
    • Standard margins (1 inch)
    • Pages should include a footer that list the student’s name and page number on each page
    • Include an end of paper reference list for citation of sources
    • Essays must include a cover page 

    
    

    Cover Page Requirements

    • Essay title
    • Include a one or two sentence snippet from the essay placed directly under the title
    • Student name and contact information located at bottom of cover page

    
    

    Judging Criteria

    • Relevance to the topic
    • Originality and clarity of thought
    • Grammar, spelling, and writing mechanics

    
    

    Submission Guidelines

    • Essays must be submitted by 4pm on February 27th, 2026. Submissions may be accepted electronically or in printed form, as specified by the contest organizer. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Email essay to usa250@cityofportlandtn.gov

    
    

    Awards and Recognition

    • Winner will receive a $500.00 prize
    • Winner will be announced in March and winner will be presented with the award at the March 16th Council Meeting

    
    

    Rights and Permissions

    • By submitting an essay, participants grant the City permission to publish or display the essay for educational and promotional purposes, with appropriate credit to the author.
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