WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss) today encouraged Mississippi youth to enter a national essay contest focused on the role informed citizens play in the workings of government in the United States.

The Mississippi Senators are highlighting the first annual “Making Democracy Work Student Essay Contest” sponsored by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, a congressionally-chartered, nonprofit organization dedicated to public education on the history of the U.S. Capitol and Congress.

The U.S. Capitol Historical Society is challenging students to write essays that “consider the constitutional structure of the government and the role of the individual citizen” in the “American experiment in self-government.”  Entries must be postmarked or electronically submitted by June 15.

“This essay contest can provide students, as well as educators, an opportunity to learn more about the importance of citizen participation in our American democracy.  I hope youth in Mississippi will take the time to participate in this competition,” Cochran said.

“Individual civic involvement is a critical component of our democracy,” said Wicker.  “This competition highlights the role a citizen can play.  It is a good lesson for the young men and women who will be future leaders in their communities.”

The contest is organized into two divisions—junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12).  Junior entries must be 600-800 words in length, while senior essays must range from 800-1,200 words.  Each student must have an “essay adviser”—either a teacher or counselor—to review their entry.  The works will be judged on content, writing skill, and mastery of the topic.  First place winners in each division will be awarded $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.

For more detailed information about specific contest rules and to obtain registration forms, visit the U.S. Capitol Historical Society website at http://www.uschs.org/278/2012-uschs-student-essay-contest.htm.

Founded in 1962, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is the sole private, nonprofit educational organization that is dedicated to recording the history of the U.S. Capitol building and Congress.

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