The 14th annual Solano County Constitution Essay Contest, now titled the Constitution Literacy Youth Scholarship program, is underway for 2025. Organized by the Solano Constitution Discussion Group, the contest invites high school students in grades 10 through 12 throughout Solano County to explore the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution. Photo courtesy of Solano Constitution Discussion Group

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The 14th Annual Solano County Constitution Essay Contest, now titled the Constitution Literacy Youth Scholarship (CLYS) program, is underway for 2025 with a renewed focus on civic education and student engagement.

Organized by the Solano Constitution Discussion Group, the contest invites high school students in grades 10 through 12 across Solano to explore the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution.

According to Darlina Bordon, a member of the Solano Constitution Discussion Group Leadership Team, understanding the Constitution is significant to today’s youth.

“Understanding the U.S. Constitution is vital for today’s youth as they begin to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens,” said Bordon. “For liberty and freedom to persist in our nation, it’s crucial that young people understand our founding documents and can effectively express those core ideals and principles.”

This year’s essay prompt asks students to examine the theme: “Why is the ‘Separation of Powers’ as important today as it was when the Founders wrote the U.S. Constitution?” Essays should be no more than 500 words and include analysis, citations and references to historical documents. Essay submissions are due by Oct. 25. Photo courtesy of Solano Constitution Discussion Group

This year’s essay prompt asks students to examine the theme: “Why is the ‘Separation of Powers’ as important today as it was when the Founders wrote the U.S. Constitution?”

Organizers say the topic underscores a core constitutional principle: that the federal government’s division into separate branches is essential to preserving liberty.

“From Federalist No. 66 (1788), Alexander Hamilton reminds us, ‘The division of [powers] into different departments, and the independence of each, are essential to the preservation of liberty,” Bordon said.

Students are encouraged to examine concepts such as usurpation of power and enumerated powers, using historical sources and modern-day examples.

Most students learn about the contest through their high schools, where teachers in subjects such as U.S. history, government and English often integrate the assignment into their curriculum.

According to Brodon, contest judges will prioritize essays that demonstrate an understanding of ‘Separation of Power,’ along with originality, clarity of expression, logical organization and proper grammar and spelling.

Essays should be no more than 500 words and include analysis, citations and references to historical documents. Judge William Mattei emphasized that essays should showcase critical thinking and writing skills.

Alongside valuable personal and academic experience, participants are eligible for scholarships, including a $1,000 Grand Prize, $500 Founders’ Choice Awards and $100 Best-of-School Awards for campuses with 30 or more entries. An awards banquet will be held Nov. 8 to honor the best essays. Photo courtesy of Solano Constitution Discussion Group

“Generally speaking, an essay of this type is a mini-treatise. The essay format should be an opportunity for the author to showcase their critical thinking and writing skills logically, factually and convincingly,” Mattei said. “It should address the essayist’s newly discovered personal insight(s) gleaned from their research. Their summary paragraph should convincingly convey their conviction about the topic to the reader. Properly executed, these elements should yield an interesting and engaging essay.”

Judge Jeanne LaPointe considers this contest an opportunity for students to take their understanding and appreciation of the Constitution to the next level.

“Sometimes, even as adults engaging in the study of the Constitution, we find ourselves simply ‘groking’ principles of governance and other particular details when initially exposed to them,”  LaPointe said. “It is my hope that students will push through these early levels of understanding and take their study to the next level of deep appreciation for the meaning and power of our Constitution.”

According to Bordon, students benefit academically and personally from the experience. The contest improves writing, analytical thinking and knowledge of the Constitution, while also fostering confidence and civic engagement. Scholarships are available, including a $1,000 Grand Prize, $500 Founders’ Choice Awards, and $100 Best-of-School Awards for campuses with 30 or more entries.

Teachers, schools and libraries support the contest by displaying fliers, posting online announcements and encouraging student participation. The Solano Community Foundation manages the Constitution Education Project Fund, ensuring tax-deductible donations go directly toward student awards.

“From time to time, principals support the contest by posting directly to the school’s website,” Bordon said. “Teachers support by encouraging their students to enter the contest, facilitating classroom discussions, providing additional resource materials when appropriate and attending the awards banquet in November."

Organizers hope to expand the contest in the coming years and call on school administrators to support broader teacher involvement. Essays should be submitted by Oct. 25.

For more information, visit www.solanocdg.org, email [email protected] or call 707-249-9161.