The Citizenship Challenge – Philadelphia: Our Flagship Essay Event
The 2019 PECO Philadelphia 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 enrolled in public, private, or parochial school, or home study program in the 5-county Philadelphia area (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Montgomery Counties).
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, ten finalists are selected and invited to make a final presentation of their essay at the National Constitution 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 12, 2019 at the National Constitution Center.
The 2019 PECO Philadelphia Citizenship Challenge Finalists
Ms. Christine Delesandro’s
5th Grade Class
Anne Frank Elementary
School District of Philadelphia
Ms. Linda Raitt’s
5th Grade Class
Buckingham Elementary
Central Bucks School District
Ms. Sarah Quinn’s
4th Grade Class
Copper Beech Elementary
Abington School District
Ms. Rachael Pinsley’s
5th Grade Class
Glenwood Elementary
Rose Tree Media School District
Ms. Mindy Civan
&
Mr. Sean Burg’s
5th Grade Class
Perelman Jewish Day School
Stern Center
Ms. Shealyn Miles’
5th Grade Class
St. Bernadette of Lourdes
Drexel Hill
Ms. Samantha Barbato’s
5th Grade Class
Ithan Elementary
Radnor Township School District
Ms. Maureen Kroener’s
5th Grade Class
Lower Gwynedd Elementary
Wissahickon School District
Ms. Ann Friedlander’s
5th Grade Class
Merion Elementary
Lower Merion School District
Mr. Todd Serpico’s
5th Grade Class
Radnor Elementary
Radnor Township School District