Content (55%)

  • Demonstrated an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage
  • Identified an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1956
  • Proved that the elected official risked his or her career to address an issue at the local, state, national, or international level
  • Explained why the official's course of action best serves or has served the larger public interest
  • Outlined the obstacles, dangers, and pressures the elected official is encountering or has encountered
  • Thoughtful, original choice of a U.S. elected official
  • Well-researched
  • Convincing arguments supported with specific examples
  • Critical analysis of acts of political courage

 

Presentation (45%)

  • Communicated ideas clearly
  • Well-organized
  • Correct syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
  • Written in compelling and original manner
  • Bibliography of five or more varied sources including one non-internet source
  • Thoughtfully selected, reliable sources

 

An essay will be disqualified if:

  • It is not on the topic.
  • The subject is not an elected official.
  • The subject is John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, or Edward M. Kennedy.
  • The subject is a previous Profile in Courage Award recipient unless the essay describes an act of political courage other than the act for which the award was given.
  • The essay focuses on an act of political courage that occurred prior to 1956.
  • It does not include a minimum of five sources.
  • It is postmarked or submitted by e-mail after the deadline.
  • It is not the student’s original work.

    The top ten essays are judged by members of the Profile in Courage Award Committee.