A Profiles in Courage Essay Contest for high school seniors is being sponsored by the Gillespie County Democratic Party.

Winner of the competition will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Deadline for submission is Monday, April 7.

The contest is open to seniors of any Gillespie County’s high schools who are planning to attend accredited secondary education, technical/trade school or vocational program upon graduation in 2025.

The contest is named for President John F. Kennedy who authored a book by the same name, published in 1956, prior to his election as president in 1960. In the book, short biographies describe the acts of bravery and integrity displayed by eight United States Senators who defied the opinions of their party and constituents to do what they felt was right and suffered criticism and losses in popularity as a result.

The essay topic asks students to describe and analyze an act of political courage by a United States elected official who risked their careers to take a stand for public good, in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party or even their constituents.

The subject should be someone who has served in office after 1917, the year that President Kennedy was born.

Essays are to be 700-1,000 words in length, typed and double spaced.

Applications are available from school counselors or may be found online at www.gillespiedems.org.

Submissions may be done by email to gillespiedems@gmail.com, delivered in person at 209 N. Crockett, Suite 1, on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-12 noon., or mailed to 209 N. Crockett, Suite 1.

Scholarships reward student involvement

Scholarships are also offered by the Gillespie County Democratic Association to students who are politically involved in their community.

Deadline for applications is April 12. Forms and rules are available at www.gillespiedems.org.

Students are asked to enumerate what they believe to be the most important issues facing our country and how they might be able to address those issues as individuals and find solutions.

Also considered in the selection process is the student’s involvement in activities like voter registration or volunteering with candidate visits and political events.

High school seniors are eligible to apply along with students now attending college who have received the scholarship in the past.