Essay Topic for Boys State 2007

Amending the Constitution - What is an appropriate Amendment?

Our founding fathers created a means by which changes could be addressed...an amendment. Your essay should address what constitutes an appropriate amendment. There are many currently 'proposed and discussed' amendments. How do you tell the difference between 'adopted policy' vs. 'change in the basic structure' set for us by our founding fathers?

The "Castleman Award" and $1000 scholarship is awarded annually to the citizen who presents the best original essay on some phase of the Constitution of the United States. 

The essay must be over 500 words, but should not exceed 1000 words, in length.  It is important that the essays be legibly written in good literary style, properly paragraphed, punctuated, etc.

All contestants are required to use the Official Boys State Essay Cover Sheet, in which the contestant must sign an affidavit that the essay which they have presented for competition is original and that all direct quotations have been properly indicated.

2005 Winner - Mark Andrew Aguirre - Plainfield

2004 Winner - John Braun - Washington

2003 Winner - Gerry Sapienza - Gurnee

2002 Winner - Christopher Knapp - West Peoria

2001 Winner - Jason Starr - Libertyville

2000 Winner - Matthew Diller - Bloomington

1999 Winner - James Stevens - Arthur

1998 Winner - Jonathan Budzik - Winthrop Harbor

1997 Winner - Brett Garrett - Lake Forest

1996 Winner - Markus Nystrom - Lake Forest