COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

PRINS. MEMO NO. 11

February 17, 2004

ELEMENTARY / MIDDLE / SECONDARY

TO:	Principals
FROM:	Patricia I. Wright Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
SUBJECT:	Essay Contest for 11^th Grade Civics and History Students

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is sponsoring the 2004 Idea of America Essay Contest. The nationwide contest is part of a national civics and American history education initiative sponsored by the NEH and announced by President Bush. The contest is open to all high school juniors. The goal of the essay is to explore significant themes in President Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address and Americas founding ideals. The winner of the contest will receive a cash prize of $5,000. Five finalists will receive $1,000. In addition, the winner and finalist will be recognized at a national award ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The deadline for the essay is March 15, 2004. For more details visit http://www.neh.gov or call 202-606-8446.

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

PIW/CCB