COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 48

September 3, 2002

ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE / SECONDARY

TO:	Principals
FROM:	Patricia I. Wright Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
SUBJECT:	Americas First Freedom Student Competition (High school students)

The Council for Americas First Freedom has announced the opportunity for Virginias public, private and home-schooled high school students to compete in the 10th Annual Americas First Freedom Student Competition. This competition supports the Virginia Standards of Learning by promoting historical thinking and increased awareness of current events. The theme for this years competition is Religious Freedom Bridge to Global Peace.

A first-place cash award of $1000 and a second-place cash award of $500 will be presented in each of the three categories of competition: essay, oratory, and poster. All submissions must be postmarked no later than Saturday, November 3, 2002. Announcement of winners will be in mid-December 2002.

Official contest rules can be obtained by e-mail at competition@firstfreedom.org or contact Sandi Poulson at the Council for Americas First Freedom at (804) 643-1786.

For further information, please contact Colleen C. Bryant (cbryant@mail.vak12ed.edu), secondary history and social science specialist, at (804)786-4640.

PIW/CCB