Education Everywhere — High-school students who are answering a “call to serve” could win a top prize of $2,500 in an essay contest sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Foundation.
The essay should address the prompt: “In your life, what has prepared you to follow Gerald Ford’s example of answering the call to serve, especially if the call is unexpected?”
Grand Rapids native Gerald Ford took office as the 38th president of the United States having never been elected to the office or to the office of vice president. In his remarks after taking the oath of office on Aug. 9, 1974, he said, “I assume the presidency under extraordinary circumstances never before experienced by Americans. … I have not sought this enormous responsibility, but I will not shirk it.” He recognized the presidency as “a duty to be done.”
Essays are due at 5 p.m. EST on March 14. Submissions should be between 500 and 750 words. Detailed instructions are available on the Gerald R. Ford Foundation website, along with suggestions of resources available at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
Up to 10 prizes are available. Teachers of students who win awards will also receive gift cards.
