Student Essay Contest: Why a Free Press Matters in Democracy

Examiner Publisher Adam Stone noted how critical it is for young Americans to understand the unique and critical role independent media plays in a democratic society.

“It’s vital for the next generation to have not just general knowledge but also a deep understanding and appreciation for the inseparable connection between a free press and the ability to maintain a healthy democracy,” Stone said. “From the local and state level and all the way to national news reporting, our country can only function as a free society when we have a robust free press and citizens and leaders who believe in and defend our cherished First Amendment rights.”

Students served by the Examiner group of newspapers in Westchester and Putnam counties may submit essays to Stone beginning Monday March 2, 2020 through Friday April 17, 2020. Email submissions to astone@theexaminernews.com. Winners in each category selected by Examiner Media will then be submitted to a national jury who will select the semi-finalists and then the finalists by early September 2020. Examiner Media will announce local winners on the first week in June 2020.

The national winner in every category (grades six-eight; grades nine-twelve; and grades university/college) will each receive a $5,000 check from the Boston Globe Foundation. The winning essayist with the highest ranking among the three categories will also receive a full four-year scholarship, currently valued at $38,000 a year, to Westminster College in Salt Lake City. Prizes will be awarded late fall (TBA) at the 15th Annual McCarthey Family Foundation Lecture Series: In Praise of Independent Journalism.

“The competition is designed to engage the important voices of our students, voices that are vital to the future of a robust democracy, and to expand national dialogue about press freedom by encouraging discussion at home and in school,” National Student Essay Competition Director Mary Kay Lazarus said.