The Bill of Rights Day Contest is an annual essay and art contest for students in grades 5 – 12 within the Seventh and Eighth Circuits of the United States Courts – including Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Each year, students and teachers are provided new contest prompts and guidelines with a theme surrounding the Bill of Rights. Entries of essays, poetry, art, music, and videos are submitted by students.
Finalists advance to the grand prize round for a chance to win $500 and are recognized during a live virtual event. The virtual event is open to the public and serves as an educational opportunity for all who attend.
Fifth Annual Bill of Rights Day Contest Details:
Eligible Grades: 5th - 12th
Submission Deadline: November 1, 2024
New this year: Finalists and winners will be chosen from the following grade level categories – Grade 5-6, Grades 7-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12. (The contest committee reserves the right to combine grade level categories based on number of entries received in each.)
Full Details, Contest Prompts, & Submission Guidelines
Printable Contest Flyer
Questions? Contact Crystal Newton at crystal_newton@ared.uscourts.gov or 501-604-5351.
Past Finalists from the Eastern District of Arkansas
- Term Limit Amendment Proposal by Riley Farris, a homeschool student from Pangburn, Arkansas (2023 finalist)
- Eye to Freedom by Xuanying Li, Batesville Junior High School Charter (2022 finalist)
- Bill of Rights by Jimena Castillo, Rison Elementary School (2022 finalist)
- Let Our Voices Sing by Serenity Hardy & Brooklyn Jones, Batesville Junior High School Charter (2022 finalist)
- Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case by Emma Harrington, Southside Junior High School (2022 finalist)
- The Rights of Highschoolers by Raina Coles, Southside Junior High School (2022 finalist)
- Speech is a Student’s Superpower by Haley Rea, Southside Junior High School (2022 finalist)