Contest Deadline Looms

The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) and the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) would like to remind everyone that the U.S. Constitution Contest ends on October 15, 2021. Presenting an opportunity for students to participate and become knowledgeable about our government, the topic for the contest is “What Does the U.S. Constitution Mean to Me?”

Last month, the contest was announced in a partnership between OPI and SOS as part of Constitution Week, which took place September 17-23.

Thanks to the U.S. Constitution and the military men and women who have fought to protect its provisions, U.S. citizens have freedom of choice. To honor that liberty, contest facilitators encourage participants to present their responses in a manner of their own choosing. Entrants may create artwork, an essay, a musical composition, a speech, or another form of expression as long as it can be uploaded as a file into the entry form available at https://civics.sosmt.gov/constitution-contest-entry/. The form outlines size and file restrictions.

In a letter to Montana students dated in early September, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen writes: “Constitution Day is September 17. This is the day we celebrate our Constitution, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to get together with your family and teachers and discuss the importance of the document by which this country was founded.

“The US Constitution Contest promotes civic engagement. It provides a time where you can explore this amazing document. . . . You may be surprised to know that a student, like you, made a big change to the US Constitution. . . . Our state’s students are awesome, and I can’t wait to see what you submit.”

On the Civics Montana web page that features her letter and outlines the Constitution Contest, Jacobsen also shares a video and other resources for students.

All students in grades K-12 are invited to participate. When their work is finished, students should complete the electronic entry form to finalzie the submission process. Anticipating the creativity of submissions, contest designers will divide the entries along grade level lines: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A winner will be determined at each of the four levels.

For more information about the U.S. Constitution Contest, those interested should contact sosyouthvote@mt.gov.

Lisa Riedlinger, a spokesperson from the SOS, explained that winning students will receive an award certificate from Secretary Jacobsen and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen. Winners’ submissions will also be posted on the Civics-MT website by November 2, 2021.

“This achievement will also be something high school students can refer to when applying for college. We would love to have your participation,” Riedlinger said.