CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN LAUNCHES AMERICA 250 ESSAY CONTEST FOR HUDSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AHEAD OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Congressman Pat Ryan Launches America 250 Essay Contest for Hudson Valley High School Students Ahead of Independence Day
Participating high school students can pick between five prompts to reflect on America’s history and explore their hopes and visions for our country’s future
Participants will be recognized with Congressional Certificates, and the winner will be invited for a Capitol tour and to meet with Congressman Ryan in Washington, DC
Essays can be submitted using this link between July 4th and August 31st
WASHINGTON, DC – In celebration of the country’s 250th birthday this week, Congressman Pat Ryan is announcing the launch of his America 250 Essay Contest for Hudson Valley high school students.
The contest is open to all Hudson Valley high school students (Grades 9-12) and runs from July 4th to August 31st. Students may choose from five prompts to reflect on America’s history and explore their hopes and visions for our country’s future. Participants will be recognized with Congressional Certificates, and the winner will be invited for a Capitol tour and meeting with Congressman Ryan in Washington, DC.
“The Hudson Valley has a profoundly rich history of Patriotism and service to this great country. Our community was on the forefront of American independence 250 years ago, and that revolutionary spirit lives on today – especially in our next generation of leaders, our young people,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “As we celebrate the first 250 years of American history, we must also look forward to the next 250. That’s why I am so excited to hear from the exceptional future leaders of the Hudson Valley about what America means to them and their hopes for the future. This Independence Day, it’s important to remember what unites us: our kids, our community, and the country that we love.”
“The semiquincentennial is an important opportunity to engage young Americans in thinking about why studying our past is essential to understanding our present and building a better future,” said Ulster County Historian Eddie Moran. “At a time when history is too often overlooked, the 250th anniversary of American independence offers an invaluable chance to inspire young people to explore our nation's story, recognize their place within it, and understand how the lessons of the past continue to shape their lives today.”
“Libraries remind us that all great stories are shaped by many voices. The same is true of democracy,” said Alex Geller, Library Director, Red Hook Public Library. “As we approach our nation's 250th anniversary, we are grateful to Congressman Ryan for creating an opportunity that challenges students to reflect on what American democracy and the Constitution mean. Because the story of America is still being written, and programs like this help young people see that democracy isn't just something to read about but something to participate in.”
NY-18 students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to enter Congressman Ryan’s America 250 Essay Contest. Students will write a 300-500 word essay in response to one of the following prompts:
- What does America mean to you?
- What do you value about American Constitutional democracy and what are your hopes for its future?
- How do you view your generation’s role and responsibility as an active participant in America’s democracy?
- If you could create a constitutional Amendment, what would it be and why?
- Who is an American Founder you value and why?
The contest will run from July 4th to August 31st. Participants will be recognized with a Congressional Certificate, and the winner will be invited to Washington, DC for a tour of the United States Capitol and a meeting with Congressman Ryan.
Essays can be submitted between July 4th and August 31st at this link. For more information, please contact Congressman Ryan’s office at (845) 443-2930.
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