STEPHENSON HIGH SCHOOL
School Council
“My Brother’s Keeper”
Essay Contest
“It's that fundamental belief — I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper — that makes this country work. It's what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet still come together as a single American family.”
- Barack Obama, 2004 Democratic National Convention
In our book of the semester “The PACT” by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt, three young men from a difficult background became their “brother’s keeper” and willed each other to success. In 2014, President Barack Obama issued a challenge to the nation with his My Brother’s Keeper initiative. The goal of this initiative is to improve the life outcomes of young people by providing them their best opportunity for success. In order for this to happen, we must all, in a sense, become our brother’s keeper.
Essay Question: How can you as member of the school community work and become “brother’s keepers” to ensure that others are given their best chances for success?
Directions for Writing: In a structured essay, answer the above question. Your essay should be thoughtful, insightful, and well-organized.
Guidelines for Entry
- Format for your essay is: typed, double-spaced, 1- inch margins, Times New Roman font, on 8 ½” X 11” white paper.
- Your essay should be no less than 500 words and no more than 1000 words.
- You must use the required school heading for your essay.
- Attach the entry form to the front of the essay upon submission.
Who May Apply? All SHS students are eligible to participate in the essay contest.
Awards: - Top 100 entries will participate in Huge Pizza Party Lunch
Deadline: April 13, 2015 – 8:30am – Main Office
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER ESSAY CONTEST ENTRY FORM/ This form is the first (1st) page of your essay.
Instructions: Complete this form and attach it to the front of your essay.
Please indicate your grade level:
[ ] Senior
[ ] Junior
[ ] Sophomore
[ ] Freshman
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Title of Essay
Student’s Name (First, Middle Initial, Last) Gender (M/F)
Student Number
[ ] I guarantee that the essay entered in this contest is my original work. I understand that this competition will be judged by a panel and that their decisions are final. If my essay should be chosen as a winner, I hereby give Stephenson High School permission to publish it in on the school’s web site. By submitting this form, I signify my compliance with the posted rules of the contest.
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Submission Date