The Fourth Circuit Civics Contest invites high school students from five states to create an original graphic poster with a written description sharing their perspective on the theme: What do the Declaration?s founding principles and the rule of law mean to you?
Scholarship Details
- Open to students in grades 9 through 12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia
- Essay must analyze student cell phone searches using cases like New Jersey v. T.L.O. and Riley v. California
- Winners will be publicly recognized by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all students currently in grades 9 through 12 in MD, NC, SC, VA, and WV
- Prior award winners may not re-enter the contest
- Children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and household members of federal judges or judiciary employees are not eligible
Application Process
- Review the prompt and related principles of the Declaration of Independence
- Write a personal, thoughtful essay addressing the legal and constitutional issues involved
- Complete the official entry form from the contest website and submit your poster
- Submit your poster and completed entry form online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 1st
This is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Constitution and how it applies to real-life situations in schools. By participating, you can sharpen your legal reasoning skills, express your personal viewpoint, and gain recognition for your thoughtful work. Don't miss your chance to make your voice heard in an essay that could shape how we think about privacy and safety in schools. Start early and take the time to craft a strong submission.
