The Citizenship Challenge – Pittsburgh: Our Essay Event Expands!
The 2019 PECO Pittsburgh Citizenship Challenge Question
“The Founding Fathers are considered to be brilliant in relation to the government they created. Which part of the Bill of Rights, do you think is the most important and continues to exert the greatest impact on Americans today?”
The Challenge was open to 4th and 5th grade classes in public, private, or parochial schools in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Classroom teams are asked to write an essay that addresses their point of view on the assigned issue. Teams take one position and defend their argument in a concise written document of a minimum of 300 words. The contest is drawn from PA Civics standards relating to principles and documents of government; rights and responsibilities of citizens; and information on how government works.
From all entries submitted eight finalists are selected and invited to make a final presentation of their essay at the Senator John Heinz History Center. All expenses are paid by The Rendell Center.
Annual Prizes
- GRAND PRIZE (1) of $1,000: The first place school will receive a check to be used toward a program that promotes civics learning and engagement across the student body.
- RUNNER-UP PRIZES (3) of $500: Each of the three runner-up schools will receive a check to be used toward a program that promotes civics learning and engagement across the student body.
- TOP ENTRIES: The top 10 finalist schools will receive classroom copies of the Literature-Based Mock Trial curriculum as well as a civics library for their school.
Finals were held on December 17, 2019 at the Heinz History Center.
The 2019 PECO Pittsburgh Citizenship Challenge Finalists
Ms. Kahler’s
4th Grade Class
Central Elementary
Hampton Township School District
Ms. Robertson’s
5th Grade Class
Edgeworth Elementary
Quaker Valley School District
Ms. Yu’s
5th Grade Class
Environmental Charter School
Pittsburgh School District
Mr. Voland’s
4th Grade Class
Marshall Elementary
North Allegheny School District
Mr. Franks’
5th Grade Class
McKnight Elementary
North Allegheny School District
Ms. Zeigler
&
Ms. Hagerty’s
5th Grade Class
Moore Elementary
Brentwood Borough School District
Ms. Smith’s
4th Grade Class
Mt. Lebanon Elementary
Mt. Lebanon School District
Mr. Newcombe’s
4th Grade Class
West Liberty Pre-K – 5
Pittsburgh Public School District
Mr. Newcombe’s
4th Grade Class
West Liberty Pre-K – 5
Pittsburgh Public School District
Ms. Smith’s
4th Grade Class
Mt. Lebanon Elementary
Mt. Lebanon School District