Judging
All essay submissions will be acknowledged as they are received. All essays will be judged on the following criteria:
Content (55%)
Identified a U.S. elected official (since 1956) who risked his or her career to address an issue at the local, state, national or international level
Explained why the official's course of action best serves or has served the larger public interest
Outlined the obstacles, dangers, and pressures the elected official is encountering or encountered
Thoughtful, original choice of an elected official
Well-researched
Convincing arguments supported with specific examples
Critical analysis of acts of political courage
Presentation (45%)
Communicated ideas clearly
Well organized
Correct syntax, grammar, spelling and punctuation
Bibliography of five or more varied sources
Thoughtfully selected, reliable sources
Included non-internet sources
Written in compelling and original manner
An essay is disqualified if:
It is not on the topic.
The subject is not an elected official.
The subject is John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, or Edward M. Kennedy.
The essay focuses on acts of political courage prior to 1956.
It does not include a minimum of five sources.
It is postmarked or submitted by email after January 10, 2009.
It is not the student's original work.
The final ten essays are judged by members of the Profile in Courage Award Committee.