profiles in courage essay contest

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

In Profiles in Courage , John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. These leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage .

Contest Topic: Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917 , the year John F. Kennedy was born. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act. The essay may concern an issue at the local, state, national, or international level.

The contest deadline is January 17, 2025.

Visit the Profile in Courage Essay Contest section of the JFK Library website for more requirements, judging criteria, past winning essays, and additional information.

Registration and Submission

Please read Contest Topic and Information carefully before submitting your essay. Essays must meet   contest requirements to qualify for evaluation.

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest has upgraded its registration and submission technology, and we now use the SurveyMonkey Apply platform. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Profile in Courage Essay Contest Coordinator.

Important Note: Before contacting the Profile in Courage Essay Contest Coordinator, please be sure to review the contest web pages and read over the FAQ section of the web site.

Email: [email protected]

Sep 1 2024 12:00 AM (EDT)

Jan 17 2025 11:59 pm (est).

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2022 winning essay by theodora mcgee.

2022 Winning Essay List of Winners, Finalists, Semifinalists, and Honorable Mentions

José Tomás Canales: An Early Voice for Reform

By Theodora McGee Moorestown High School in Moorestown, New Jersey

While the 2020 death of George Floyd focused the nation’s attention on the inequalities in law enforcement, this is not the first time police brutality and racism have been put on trial. Over 100 years ago, José Tomás Canales, a representative in the Texas State House, took a stand against violent acts by law enforcement. In 1919, Canales accused the Texas Rangers of killing innocent Mexican-Americans in South Texas. In the early 1900s, Texan law enforcement officers and the Texas Rangers responded to Mexican raids into Texas with extreme violence, killing not only raiders, but also Tejanos, landowners who had become American citizens when the  Texas-Mexico border shifted south (Lira Ramirez). It is estimated that the Rangers killed up to 5,000 Hispanics between 1914 and 1919 (Rangers and Outlaws). On January 15, 1919, Canales introduced a bill in the state legislature to address the violence by reforming the Rangers (Victoria Smith). The bill failed, but an investigation of abuses by the Texas Rangers was launched. Through his bill and the role he played in the subsequent investigation, Canales exhibited remarkable personal and political courage.

Canales' main obstacle in his pursuit of reform was lack of support for his people. Despite delivering impassioned speeches to gather support from his colleagues, he encountered almost unanimous resistance in the legislature (Lira Ramirez). As the only Latino in the legislature, Canales' ethnicity contributed to his isolation. During his years in the House, Canales found himself distanced from “leading Caucasian men who called him a ‘greaser from Brownsville.’” “His ethnicity generated an incredible hostility” (Lira Ramirez).

The lack of legislative support for Canales' bill reflected lack of public interest in the issue. The press was apathetic towards violence against Tejanos; “the discovery of Mexicans’ dead bodies had reached the point where it created little or no interest to media outlets” (Victoria Smith). The public, which tolerated violence by law enforcement, felt that Canales was blowing the issue out of proportion. Both politicians and the public perceived Canales’ reform proposals as extreme (Lira Ramirez).

Canales also faced an uphill battle because he was criticizing a well-liked organization. Canales was strongly criticized for attacking “an idealized force” that protected the public (Lira Ramirez). The judicial system had a history of turning a blind eye to the Rangers’ violence (Monica Martinez). The Rangers also enjoyed the support of prominent politicians, some of whom served on their defense team for the investigation.

Faced with opposition from fellow legislators and an unsupportive public, it became clear that pursuing reforms would jeopardize Canales' political future. Commitment to reform threatened his relationship with Canales' most influential political ally, Texas Governor William Hobby. Canales was personally loyal to Hobby and actively supported his election. When the Hobby administration fought against the reform bill, however, Canales did not back down (Sonia Hernandez and John Moran Gonzalez).

By refusing to abandon his reform efforts, Canales also put his life on the line. Advocates of previous efforts to reform the Rangers had been assaulted, including one attorney who had been pistol-whipped by a Ranger (Rebecca Onion). Canales himself was accosted on the street and threatened with violence by a prominent Texas Ranger who warned, “You are hot-footing it here, between here and Austin and complaining to the Governor and the Adjutant General about the Rangers, and I am here to tell you that if you don’t stop that you are going to get hurt” (Proceedings). At one point, Canales expressed his belief that if his efforts were not successful, “he would not live another six months” (Sonia Hernandez and John Moran Gonzalez).

Canales' reform bill failed when the legislature concluded there was a lack of evidence of the Rangers’ misdeeds. During the investigation that followed, the Rangers’ defense team twisted the review of the Rangers’ abuses into a debate over whether the Rangers should be disbanded. The other primary defense strategy was attacking Canales' credibility and integrity. He was painted “as a delusional, hypocritical shill for ‘larger interests’ and as an unpatriotic Mexican, with all the negative connotations the term held at the time.” (Richard Ribb). After twelve days of testimony, the investigation concluded that the Rangers should not be disbanded, though they acknowledged a “‘gross violation of both civil and criminal laws’” (Victoria Smith). The legislature then passed a watered-down reform bill that placed fewer restrictions on the Rangers.

Canales' efforts to reform the Texas Rangers had repercussions for Texas history, for the Rangers, and for Canales himself. The “Proceedings,” the official transcript of the investigation, provided an official documentation of racial violence perpetrated against Mexicans and Tejanos, thus memorializing the voices of the witnesses.

 Although the bill that ultimately passed did not contain a number of the reforms Canales had fought for, the resulting reforms and attention drawn to the issue resulted in a decrease in Ranger violence against Mexicans and Tejanos. There were even instances when the Rangers stopped racially fueled violence by private citizens (Victoria Smith). The investigation also increased public awareness and outrage by the press. After the investigation ended, the prominent Dallas Morning News concluded that “only Canales' courage and sense of responsibility prevented the continuation of ‘shocking and intolerable conditions’” (Sonia Hernandez and John Moran Gonzalez).

While Canales' fight to reform the Texas Rangers helped reduce violence against Mexicans and Tejanos, it spelled the end to his political career. Due to his diminished status in the legislature and the threats against him, Canales decided not to seek re-election to the Texas House (Lira Ramirez). This was not the end for Canales’ public contributions, however, as he continued to fight for equal rights in education, politics, and society (Sonia Hernandez and John Moran Gonzalez).

José Tomás Canales was “willing to meet crushing defeat rather than compromise his principles” (John F. Kennedy). By initiating and then persevering in his efforts to prevent violence against Mexicans and Tejanos, Canales exhibited extraordinary personal and political courage. Despite threats of physical violence and the near certain end of his political career, José Tomás Canales took a stand against the misuse of official power, thus serving as an inspiration to current and future politicians.

Works Cited

Canales, J. T. (Jose Tomas), et al. “Proceedings of the Joint Committee of the Senate and the House in the Investigation of the Texas State Ranger Force, Volume I.” University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University Library Special Collections & Archives , https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/lrgv/10/.

Hernández Sonia, et al. “José Tomás Canales and the Paradox of Power.” Reverberations of Racial Violence: Critical Reflections on the History of the Border , University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas, 2021, pp. 168–187.

“The History of Racial Violence on the Mexico-Texas Border.” Refusing to Forget , 17 Sept.2021, https://refusingtoforget.org/the-history/.

Kennedy, John F. Profiles in Courage . Harper, 1961.

Martinez, Monica Muñoz. “Recuperating Histories of Violence in the Americas: Vernacular History-Making on the US–Mexico Border.” American Quarterly , vol. 66, no. 3, 2014, pp. 661–689., https://doi.org/10.1353/aq.2014.0040.

Onion, Rebecca. “America's Lost History of Border Violence.” Slate Magazine, Slate , 5 May 2016, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2016/05/texas-finally-begins-to-grapple-with-its-ugly-history-of-border-violence-against-mexican-americans.html.

Ramirez, Lira. “José T. Canales, Conflict and Compromise, Tejano Identity in Politics,” Senior Division Historical Paper, National History Day, Texas State Library and Archives Commission , 2018, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/sites/default/files/public/tslac/arc/thrab/2018liraramirez.pdf.

“Rangers and Outlaws.” Texas State Library and Archives Commission , 10 Apr. 2019, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/treasures/law/index.html.

Ribb, Richard. “A Reader’s Guide to the ‘Proceedings of the Joint Committee of the Senate and the House in the Investigation of the Texas State Ranger Force’ (1919).” Refusing to Forget , Aug. 2020, https://refusingtoforget.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/04/ENDNOTESReaders-Guide-to-the-Canales-Investigation.doc.pdf

Smith, Victoria. “The Canales Investigation: A Turning Point for the Texas Rangers.” The Measure: An Undergraduate Research Journal, Sam Houston State University , 9 Sept. 2020, https://measure-ojs-shsu.tdl.org/measure/index.php/measure/article/view/59.

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John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

One thing that quickly becomes apparent to high school students preparing for college is the burden of funding a four-year degree. Fortunately for college-bound students, there are numerous ways to reduce the cost of school. One of the most notable methods is pursuing a wide range of scholarships and awards. An award that students with exceptional writing and researching skills should consider is the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest.

About the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

In 1954, John F. Kennedy took a leave of absence from the Senate to recover from back surgery. Kennedy used that time to study the topic of political courage, which inspired him to later write the Pulitzer-Prize winning book Profiles in Courage —detailing the careers of eight Senators whom Kennedy believed demonstrated enormous courage when faced with pressure from their parties and constituents.  

Today, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest asks students to follow in Kennedy’s footsteps by researching and writing a creative original essay about an elected official who risked their career to take a stand on moral principles. The essay contest serves as a companion project to the Kennedy Library Foundation’s Profile in Courage Award, which honors elected officials who have demonstrated incredible political courage.

The winner of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest receives a $10,000 cash award and is invited to accept their prize at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts during the Profile in Courage Award events—with all travel and lodging expenses paid for. In addition to the award winner, the runner-up will receive a $3,000 award, the five finalists each receive $1,000 awards, and the eight semi-finalists are awarded $100 each.

In addition to the winners, ten students are selected for honorable mention and all participants receive a certificate of participation.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest Applicant Requirements

The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest is available to U.S. high school students in grades nine through twelve. Students need to be enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or homeschool high school program in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., or a U.S. territory. The contest also accepts submissions from U.S. citizens attending school overseas.

How to Apply

In order to participate in the Profile of Courage Essay Contest, students need to be recommended by a teacher who will support and advise the student in the creation of their essay. Nominating teachers can be former or current teachers of the applicant, but must still be still teaching at the school the participant is enrolled in. Rarely, an exception may be made if a student is unable to be nominated by a teacher from their school. For applicants who are homeschooled, the parent or legal guardian can fill the role of a nominating teacher.

An applicant’s essay is required to describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official on the local, state, or national level who served between 1917 (the year of Kennedy’s birth) and the present. Essays need to be an original work of the applicant and fall between 700 and 1,000 words—citations and bibliography do not count toward the word count. Additionally, applicants should cite a minimum of five sources.

John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Edward M. Kennedy, along with the senators featured in Profiles of Courage are not eligible subjects for essays. It’s also recommended to avoid writing about present or past presidents of the United States.

Past winners of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest are not eligible to participate again. Employees of John Hancock Financial Services and their family members are also ineligible for the award.

Tips on Applying For Awards

Don’t Miss Deadlines: Pay close attention to deadlines and don’t wait until the last minute to submit your essay. The Profile in Courage Essay can be submitted via email or traditional mail. If you decide to submit your materials via traditional mail, the application must be postmarked on its due date.

Follow Directions: The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest has specific rules about how many words are allowed, sources needed, what information needs to be included, and how sources should be cited. It would be extremely disappointing to write a winning essay only to be disqualified because you made a mistake like forgetting to include a bibliography.

Proofread: Applicants for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest should work closely with their nominating teacher to ensure that they submit a clean essay free of grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors, along with making sure the essay flows and meets the submission requirements.

Research: In addition to researching for their essay, applicants should research past winners to get an understanding of what a winning essay looks like. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum maintains a list of winners and their essays on their website .  

Professional Appearance: When applying for any distinguished award, there’s a chance that your social media profiles will be looked at. Audit your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter profiles and delete any content that could be potentially damaging. While you’re at it, make sure you have a professional-looking email address to correspond with.

Get Professional Help: CollegeVine helps students win awards. Our expert advisors can provide whatever assistance a student needs, whether it’s staying ahead of deadlines or crafting an exceptional essay.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to your dream school? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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Contest Information

In  profiles in courage , john f. kennedy recounted the stories of eight u.s. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. these leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. the profile in courage essay contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by john f. kennedy in profiles in courage.  , the maximum word count is 1,000 with a minimum of 700, not including citations and bibliography. use at least five varied sources such as government documents, letters, newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews., the contest deadline is january 12, 2024., profiles in courage essay information  - please click on the link and select "content topic and information" tab to learn more..

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May 24, 2024

Sophomore Selected as Finalist in Profile in Courage Essay Contest

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced that Aarush Tutiki ’26 was named a finalist in the national John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students. In his essay, Aarush profiled Leonidas Dyer, former U.S. Representative of Missouri.

For this year’s contest, 2,313 essays were submitted from students in 50 states and Washington, D.C., and from U.S. citizens in Canada, Ecuador, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Vietnam. The foundation selected one winner, a runner-up, five finalists, ten semifinalists, and eight honorable mentions.

The annual Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites high school students from across the nation to write an essay on an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official. The contest is a companion program of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award™, named for Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Profiles in Courage , which recounts the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers by embracing unpopular decisions for the greater good.

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Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Today’s post comes from Esther Kohn, education specialist at the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

In his 1956 book Profiles in Courage , John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who faced dire consequences for standing up for the public good. Ostracized, rejected by voters, and even physically attacked, the elected officials in Kennedy’s Pulitzer prize-winning book put politics aside to do what they believed was right for the country.

A “Profile in Courage” essay is a carefully researched recounting of a story: the story of how an elected official risked his or her career to take a stand based on the dictates of the public good, rather than the dictates of polls, interest groups, or even constituents. The contest challenges high school students to discover new “profiles in courage,” and to research and write about acts of political courage that occurred after the 1956 publication of Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage .

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest requires young people today to grapple with big ideas:  How did Kennedy define political courage ? Which public figures have demonstrated political courage? Which local, state, and national elected officials have risked their careers to take a stand for what is right?

Visit the John F. Kennedy Library website for contest information, eligibility and requirements, prize information, judging criteria, curriculum ideas, past winning essays, and more.

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4 thoughts on “ profile in courage essay contest ”.

Can GED students participate? What an amazing opportunity! Thank you, GED IN FL

Yes, GED students under the age of twenty are eligible. For more information on eligibility please visit: http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest/Eligibility-and-Requirements.aspx

Will you have a contest for adults? I’m 28. Jfk is my hero.

We’re happy to hear of your interest! We do not offer a contest for adults but you are welcome to submit a nomination for the Profile in Courage Award.

http://www.jfklibrary.org/Events-and-Awards/Profile-in-Courage-Award/How-to-Submit-a-Nomination.aspx

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Profile in Courage Essay Contest

By Eric Eng

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is an annual essay competition that was created to honor President John F. Kennedy’s book, “Profiles in Courage.” The book focuses on eight U.S. senators who showed courage and integrity by standing up for their beliefs, even when it was difficult to do so.

The essay contest aims to inspire young people to consider the importance of political courage and the role it plays in our democracy. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Profile in Courage Essay Contest, from its history to its rules and requirements.

What is the history of the Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

What is the background of the Profile in Courage Essay Contest? The Profile in Courage Essay Contest was created in 1989 by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in partnership with members of President Kennedy’s family.

The contest was established to celebrate the 25th anniversary of President Kennedy’s book, “Profiles in Courage,” which was published in 1956 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1957.

“Profiles in Courage” is a collection of eight biographical essays that highlight the courage and integrity of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to stand up for their beliefs.

The book examines the political risks these senators took by going against their party and the public opinion of their constituents to do what they believed was right.

The senators featured in “Profiles in Courage” are John Quincy Adams , Daniel Webster, Thomas Hart Benton, Sam Houston, Edmund G. Ross, Lucius Lamar, George Norris, and Robert A. Taft. These senators are known for taking courageous stands on issues ranging from slavery to civil rights to government corruption.

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest was created to inspire young people to consider the importance of political courage and the role it plays in our democracy.

The essay topic for the contest is related to political courage and must focus on an elected official in the federal, state, or local government who has demonstrated political courage by taking a stand on a controversial issue.

The first Profile in Courage Essay Contest was held in 1990 and has been held annually ever since. The contest has received more than 50,000 submissions from students in all 50 states over the years.

The winning essays are published on the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation website, and the winners are invited to attend the Profile in Courage Award ceremony in May.

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest aims to promote political courage and inspire future generations of leaders to prioritize integrity and moral character in their public service.

The contest provides young people with an opportunity to engage in civic education and to develop their research and writing skills, while the award recognizes and honors public officials who embody the ideals of political courage that President Kennedy celebrated in “Profiles in Courage.”

This initiative forms an important legacy of President Kennedy and his commitment to public service and civic engagement.

How to join the Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

How can one participate in the Profile in Courage Essay Contest? If you are a high school student who is interested in participating in the Profile in Courage Essay Contest, there are several steps you can take to get started.

Check the contest guidelines and requirements

Before you begin writing your essay, it is important to review the contest guidelines and requirements carefully.

These can be found on the contest website or through your school’s guidance office. Make sure you understand the rules regarding essay length, formatting, and submission deadlines.

Read and analyze the book “Profiles in Courage”

The book “Profiles in Courage” by John F. Kennedy is the inspiration for the contest. Reading this book can give you an understanding of what political courage means and the types of actions that can be considered courageous in politics. Analyzing the book can also give you ideas for potential topics for your essay.

Choose a topic and elected official

The essay topic for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest must be related to political courage and focus on an elected official at the federal, state, or local level who has demonstrated political courage by taking a stand on a controversial issue.

Choose an elected official who has recently demonstrated political courage on a relevant issue to make your essay more engaging and relatable to readers.

Conduct thorough research

To write a strong essay, you need to conduct thorough research on your chosen topic and elected official. Look for primary and secondary sources that support your arguments.

Primary sources include direct quotes from the elected official, while secondary sources include news articles, academic articles, and other publications.

Develop a thesis statement

A strong thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific. It should summarize the focus of your essay and the main argument you will be making.

Your thesis statement should also be engaging and thought-provoking to capture the reader’s attention.

Outline your essay

An outline can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows logically. Your outline should include your thesis statement, main points, and supporting evidence. Make sure that your essay is structured in a way that is easy to follow and understand.

Write your essay

When writing your essay, make sure to use clear and concise language. Avoid using technical terms or jargon that may confuse your readers.

Use examples and evidence to support your arguments, and make sure that your essay is well-researched and well-argued.

Proofread and edit your essay

Once you have completed your essay, proofread it carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Make sure that your essay adheres to the contest rules and requirements.

Ask someone else to read your essay to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Submit your essay

Make sure that you submit your essay according to the contest guidelines and requirements:

• The essay must be typed, double-spaced, and have a 12-point font size.
• The essay must have a title page with the essay title, student’s name, address, phone number, and email address.
• The essay must not include any identifying information, such as the student’s name or school, on any page other than the title page.
• The essay must be submitted by the deadline, which is usually in early January.

Follow the submission instructions carefully to avoid disqualification.

What are the criteria for judging at Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

What are the criteria that will be used to judge the essays submitted to the Profile in Courage Contest? The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is a highly competitive competition that attracts entries from high school students across the United States.

The contest is judged by a panel of experts who evaluate each entry based on a set of established criteria. Here is a detailed explanation of the judging criteria for the Profile in Courage Essay Contest:

Quality of writing

The judges evaluate the quality of writing in each entry. This includes the clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of the writing style.

The essay should be well-written, organized, and easy to follow. The language used in the essay should be appropriate for the intended audience.

Content and analysis

The judges evaluate the content and analysis of each entry. This includes the accuracy and depth of research, the effectiveness of the argument, and the quality of the analysis.

The essay should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic and use evidence to support its arguments. The analysis should be original and insightful, demonstrating a unique perspective on the topic.

Understanding of political courage

The judges evaluate the essay’s understanding of political courage. This includes the ability to define and articulate the concept of political courage and to apply it to specific examples.

The essay should demonstrate an understanding of the importance of political courage in American politics and the role it plays in shaping public policy.

Use of sources

The judges evaluate the use of sources in each entry. This includes the quality and appropriateness of the sources used and the accuracy of citations.

The essay should use a variety of primary and secondary sources to support its arguments. The sources used should be reliable and appropriate for the topic.

Originality and creativity

The judges evaluate the originality and creativity of each entry. This includes the ability to approach the topic in a unique and engaging way. The essay should demonstrate creativity in its analysis and use of evidence.

The essay should also demonstrate an original perspective on the topic and contribute new insights to the discussion.

Adherence to contest rules

The judges evaluate each entry’s adherence to the contest rules. This includes the length of the essay, the use of appropriate citation style, and the inclusion of a bibliography.

The essay should be within the word limit and follow all the guidelines outlined in the contest rules.

How to make your entry at the Profile in Courage Essay Contest a standout?

How can you make your essay entry for the Profile in Courage Contest stand out from the other entries? To make your entry stand out, you need to develop a unique and engaging approach to your topic. Here are some tips on how to make your entry at the Profile in Courage Essay Contest a standout:

Choose an unconventional topic

To stand out from the competition, you may want to choose a topic that is not commonly explored in the contest.

Instead of writing about a well-known figure or event, consider choosing a lesser-known topic that still demonstrates political courage. This will help your essay to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your originality.

Develop a clear and concise thesis statement

Your thesis statement should be the focal point of your essay. It should clearly and concisely state the main argument you will be making in your essay.

Use compelling evidence

To make your essay more convincing, you need to use compelling evidence to support your arguments.

Use primary sources such as speeches, interviews, and other direct quotes from the elected official you are writing about. Use secondary sources such as academic articles and news articles to provide additional context and support for your arguments.

Use creative and engaging language

To stand out from the competition, you need to use creative and engaging language in your essay.

Avoid using technical terms or jargon that may confuse your readers. Instead, use vivid language and descriptive imagery to help your readers visualize your arguments.

Show your personal connection to the topic

To make your essay more personal and engaging, you may want to show your personal connection to the topic.

Discuss how the topic has affected you personally or how it relates to your own experiences. This will help your essay to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your unique perspective.

Pay attention to the details

To make your entry stand out, you need to pay attention to the details. Make sure that your essay adheres to the contest rules and requirements.

Check your spelling and grammar carefully and ensure that your essay is well-organized and easy to follow.

What makes political courage still a relevant topic among the youth?

Why is it that political courage is still a topic that young people are interested? Political courage has always been a relevant topic, particularly in American politics. It refers to the willingness of political leaders to make tough decisions, even in the face of opposition and criticism, in order to promote the public good.

While the concept of political courage has been around for centuries, its relevance has not diminished, particularly among young people. In fact, there are several reasons why political courage is still a relevant topic among the youth.

Political polarization

In recent years, American politics has become increasingly polarized. This means that there are deep divisions between the two major political parties, and it can be difficult for politicians to find common ground.

Political courage is essential in this context because it requires politicians to put aside their personal interests and work toward the greater good, even if it means going against the party line.

Social justice issues

Young people today are deeply concerned about social justice issues, such as racial and gender inequality, climate change, and immigration.

These issues require political courage to address, as they often involve difficult decisions that may be unpopular with some segments of the population.

Young people are looking for leadership role models who are willing to take a stand on these issues and push for meaningful change.

Democratic participation

Young people are increasingly interested in getting involved in politics and making a difference in their communities. They want to see leaders who are willing to take bold action and make a positive impact.

Political courage is essential in this context, as it shows that leaders are willing to take risks and make difficult decisions in order to achieve their goals.

Historical relevance

Finally, political courage is still a relevant topic among the youth because of its historical significance.

American history is full of examples of political courage, from the Founding Fathers who risked their lives to create a new nation to the civil rights leaders who fought for equality and justice.

Young people are inspired by these examples and want to see that same kind of courage in today’s leaders.

AdmissionSight is willing to help

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is an excellent opportunity for high school students to learn about political courage and develop their writing and research skills.

By participating in the contest, students have the chance to win cash prizes and have their essays published on the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation website.

To increase your chances of winning, make sure to choose a relevant topic, conduct thorough research, and craft a clear and engaging thesis statement.

With these tips in mind, you can submit a winning essay and contribute to the legacy of President John F. Kennedy.

While we’re on the subject of being well-informed, you should seek the advice of specialists who specialize in the field of college admissions, such as those at AdmissionSight, to improve your chances of acceptance.

We at AdmissionSight would be happy to assist you in realizing your goal. AdmissionSight has become the most trusted name in the field of college admissions advice as a result of its more than a decade of expertise assisting students just like you in gaining admission to the colleges of their first and second preferences.

Please get in touch with us as soon as you can so that we can schedule an initial consultation that will be provided free of charge.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Winning the Profile in Courage Essay Contest - 10 Tips to Help You Win

Are you interested in politics? Do you like learning about heroes of the past? Do you enjoy writing or are you looking to strengthen your writing skills? Are you competitive or interested in winning $10,000 and a trip to Boston? Are you seeking an effective and creative way to strengthen your resume and college application?

Then take a look at the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest.

Essay contests can be a solid way to boost your academic profile while simultaneously improving your writing skills and learning more about a topic of interest. Having seen notable winners such as Pete Buttigieg, this recognized writing contest provides a great way for you to showcase your writing skills and initiative. In this blog post, we introduce the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest, the benefits of participating in writing contests, the logistics of the contest, and some tips to help you win!

Why should you participate in writing contests as a high school student?

Before we introduce the specifics of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest, it is important to review the benefits of participating in writing competitions as a potential college applicant.

As is with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest, writing competitions usually involve a topic related to real-world issues. The opportunity to write about these topics provides you a way to demonstrate to colleges and universities that you are socially aware and engaged with relevant topics.

Outside of the topic itself, participating in a writing competition is a unique addition to your application. It expresses to college admissions that you have an array of interests and talents and take initiative on your own time to pursue them.

Critical thinking and research skills are important assets to have in the college environment . Conducting in-depth research for the writing competition will allow you to refine these skills as well as convey to college admissions that you know how to conduct independent research.

Although participating in the competition is already a nice addition to your resume, winning or placing in a notable essay competition is a remarkable achievement that will further distinguish you from other applicants.

What is the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest?

In 1957, John F. Kennedy wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Profiles in Courage.” “Profiles in Courage” details the stories of eight United States senators who displayed courage by taking a moral stance on issues. The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest, following the theme of “Profiles in Courage”, asks students to explore the topic of political courage and write an essay on an elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born, and displayed these traits.

Is it Prestigious?

With notable former winners and almost $30,000 in cash prizes, this essay contest is sure to make an impressive mark on your resume. Additionally, the winner is invited to the 2024 Profile in Courage Award event at the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation where they will be able to share space with important figures. Past winners of the Profile in Courage Award include former U.S. presidents such as Barack Obama and George H.W. Bush.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Opens Sep 1, 2023, 12:00 AM (EDT)

Deadline for registration form submission AND essay - January 12, 2024, at 11:59 PM (EST)

Results release date - April 20th, 2024

Winners will be notified by telephone and email

All participants will receive a letter containing the list of winners as well as a Certificate of Participation by the end of May

Who is Eligible to Participate?

The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools

U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories are eligible.

U.S. citizens attending schools overseas can also participate

Past winners and finalists are not eligible to participate

What do Winners Receive?

The contest awards its winners with hefty cash prizes up to $10,000, as well as a fully-funded trip to Boston with their family and teacher at the Profile in Courage Award ceremony. Every participant, regardless of the outcome, will receive a Certificate of Participation. Additionally, there are no other costs associated with the contest that you will have to bear as a participant.

How do I Nominate a Teacher?

The contest requires you to have a nominating teacher. The role of the nominating teacher is to provide you with guidance and support while you are writing your essay. Additionally, they must review your essay to make sure it is free of errors and matches all conventions

The winner and their nominating teacher will receive awards at the annual Profile in Courage Award ceremony held each May at the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston (in case you need to incentivize your teacher). Your nominating teacher can be a former or current teacher but must still teach at your current school ( If you are home-schooled, your instructor can be your nominating teacher)

What are the judging criteria?

For a full breakdown of judging criteria, please make sure to visit the official website . Here is a brief overview of how the essays are judged.

55% of your final score is based on the content of your essay

Demonstrated understanding of political courage

Originality

Supporting Evidence

Source Material

45% of your final score is based on presentation

Quality of writing

Organization (structure, paragraphing, introduction, and conclusion)

Conventions (syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation)

What are Some Details About the Essay that I Should Keep in Mind?

The essay should review an act of political courage performed by a U.S. elected official who served after 1917

In the spirit of “Profiles in Courage”, acts of political courage are characterized as times when elected officials went against the grain and risked their careers to take a moral stance.

Essay Requirements

Length - between 700 - 1,000 words (excluding citations and bibliography)

Number of sources - a minimum of five sources

Sources can be government documents, letters, newspaper articles, books, and even personal interviews

Essays must include a bibliography

Accepted formats include APA, MLA, or Turabian

Please make sure to review their official guidelines

10 Tips to Help You Win

Originality (Avoid writing about very common officials) A large part of their judging criteria is originality. The judges are looking for essays that stand out and offer fresh perspectives. Specifically, they are looking for essays that have an original choice of a U.S. elected official whose story is not widely known. If you choose a well-known official, it is important to provide a unique, fresh perspective on their story. Ideally, they recommend choosing a local official such as a city councilor or school board official. They have even provided a list of officials to avoid writing about. To get an idea of what kind of stories previously won, visit this page .

Have an Understanding of Political Courage Ensure you thoroughly comprehend the concept of political courage, as defined in "Profiles in Courage." Your essay should highlight situations where elected officials took a moral stand, even if it risked their careers. This understanding is important in demonstrating the elected official's bravery. One way to gain a deep understanding of political courage would be to read “Profiles in Courage” or the chapter summaries .

Conduct Extensive Research and Diversify Your Sources The guidelines require at least 5 sources, but when selecting sources, do not strive to just satisfy the minimum requirement. Find sources that help drive your story and emphasize the specific act of political courage. Choosing a diverse set of sources from different mediums can help keep your story interesting and really bring it to life. Additionally, make sure to properly cite your sources.

Write Clearly and in an Engaging Manner The bare minimum is to make sure you are using proper syntax and conventions. Not satisfying this will make it hard for the judges to read. Additionally, make sure you make it natural for the judges to read. It should be fluid and concise to allow them to really be drawn into your story. To check your writing, try methods like reading it out loud to avoid long sentences.

Work Closely with your Nominating Teacher Your nominating teacher can be a great resource to help with every step of the process. Make sure you pick a teacher that you have a good relationship with and is knowledgeable on the subject. This way they will be able to help you with everything from finding sources to making sure the essay is well-written and engaging. Additionally, make sure to thank your teacher (they are taking the time to help you)!

Stay Focused on the Act of Political Courage This contest is about highlighting specific acts of political courage by elected officials. You only have 700 - 1,000 words to tell your story. You should make sure you are dedicating this space to highlighting this elected official's act of political courage rather than turning your essay into a comprehensive biography of the official. Background information is good, but you should concentrate on the relevant background information and the key moment where they displayed political courage and explore the context, consequences, and significance of that act.

Seek Feedback and Revise Throughout the Process Before submitting your essay, make sure to constantly proofread and revise (do not just wait to do this for the final draft). Ask your nominating teacher, friends, and family for feedback consistently throughout the process. This way you will be able to get a diverse range of perspectives and identify areas of improvement throughout the process.

Interview The Elected Official or Their Peers/Family As previously mentioned, since the judges are looking for originality, it is a good idea to consider writing about a local elected official. Having sufficient sources is necessary, but interviewing the local elected official, their family, or their peers can be an effective way to add a unique element to your story. This extra dimension will make your essay more engaging and show the judges and college admissions board you are dedicated to your work.

Craft a Captivating (and Natural) Introduction The judges will be reading many essays, so it is important to make sure you grab their attention from the beginning. Your introduction should make the reader want to continue reading as well as set the stage for the rest of your essay. You can employ classic introduction techniques such as using an intriguing anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or a compelling question related to political courage. It is important to make it sound natural as well. Sometimes when using one of these techniques to “grab the reader’s attention”, the introduction can sound somewhat contrived. Make sure you strike a balance between engaging the reader and staying true to your tone and topic.

Conclude with an Impact Finally, it is important to conclude with something that will round off your essay well, drive your story home, and give the judges something to think about. Again, they will be reading many essays, so an impactful conclusion is an effective way to leave a lasting impression on the judges. Make sure to summarize the significance of the elected official's act of political courage and the impact it had. You can also connect it to broader themes or contemporary issues.

If you’d like to supplement your competitive experience with independent research, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs ! 

This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. 

You can find the application link here

One more option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re looking for the opportunity to do in-depth research on various topics in literature or linguistics, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs , selective online high school programs for students I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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Profiles In Courage John F Kennedy Essay