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.

young female students answer judge's questions
Students act out their essay in a class skit
Elementary students put on plays to demonstrate the points in their essays.

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

Female student with microphone

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

elementary school students' presentation on term limits

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