Citizenship Art and Essay Contest

Due: Sunday, May 1^st, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST.

The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center defines the value of “citizenship” as “actively participating in our democracy and in our community.” In their military service and courageous decision making, Medal of Honor recipients exemplify the value of citizenship. Through these art and essay contests, students will reflect on why citizenship is important, what it looks like, and what it means to them.

Please note, a school can qualify for one of the criteria of the Tennessee Governor’s Civics Seal if 15% of students from the school participate. 

This contest is made possible by the generosity of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga!

Download the PDF version to print or share: MOHHC Citizenship Art and Essay Contest 2022.

Prompts:

Grades 3-5 Art Contest: Draw a picture that shows someone who is an example of “citizenship.”

Grade 6-8 Essay Contest: Write an essay identifying and discussing the qualities and actions that makes someone a good citizen. What does “citizenship” look like in the modern day?

Grades 9-12 Essay Contest: Analyze the value of “citizenship” in a thoughtful essay. Consider one or all the following prompts in your analysis:

• Describe someone that exemplifies citizenship. Why is their citizenship significant?
• Why is citizenship an important value for members of your community and country?
• What is your opinion on the state of citizenship in the United States today? If positive, explain why. If negative, what are your ideas to encourage citizenship in your community or on a national level?

Winners

• Grades 3-5 Art Prizes: First Place $250, Second Place $125
• Grades 6-8 Essay Prizes: First Place $500, Second Place $250
• Grades 9-12 Essay Prizes: First Place $1,000, Second Place $500

Scholarships sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chattanooga. All essays will be judged blindly by a panel of independent reviewers. Winners will be announced and honored at our annual Memorial Day event. The winning entries will be displayed at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, along with the names of the honorable mentions.

Rules and Formatting Guidelines

Contest is open to all 3^rd-12^th grade public, private, and homeschool students in Hamilton, Bradley, and Marion counties of Tennessee.

All artworks for grades 3-5 should:

• Include a title, the student’s name, grade level, and school
• A picture should be submitted by email but we may ask to have the original on display.

All essays for grades 6-12 should:

• Be 1,000 words or less. Only one essay per student may be submitted.
• Be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman or a similar, readable font
• Include a title, the student’s name, grade level, and school
• Be in Microsoft Word or PDF format

How to Enter

• Submissions must be emailed to Education@MOHHC.org by Sunday, May 1^st, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST.
• Please contact Education@MOHHC.org if there are any challenges meeting these requirements and to receive accommodations.
• If your school is pursuing a 15% participation rate for the Tennessee Governor’s Civics Seal, please contact Hannah Sher, Director of Education, at Hannah@MOHHC.org.