The Student Lecture Series – Essay Competition
Park National Bank is excited to partner with The New Albany Community Foundation to provide an essay contest for all students attending the 2024-2025 lectures in person or virtually. Students will get the opportunity to share their perspectives from two of the 2025 lectures and one student will win a $1,000 scholarship award from Park. Park is a proud supporter of education in our communities, and we look forward to celebrating our wonderful students during this lecture series.
General Instructions
- Students who attend will have the opportunity to submit a written essay (400-600 words) or a video recording response (2-3 minutes) to Park National Bank – using the form below.
- Students will have a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship for the January and February lectures.
- Students will have approximately one week to submit their essay or video following the lecture.
- The winner will be announced and the award will be presented at the next lecture. The scholarship check will be mailed directly to the winner from Park National Bank.
- Your submission is your agreement for Park National Bank/The New Albany Community Foundation to use part or all of your submission for future marketing and fundraising initiatives.
Video Instructions
- Film a video of yourself responding to the essay prompt – limited to 2 or 3 minutes (on a cell phone or computer, filmed horizontally, speaking clearly)
- Complete the information required and provide link to your video prior to the deadline provided for each lecture
Written Essay Instructions
- Write 400-600 words and copy text directly into submission form.
- Complete the information required prior to the deadline provided for each lecture.
Important Essay Competition Dates
January 23 Lecture: Exploring Artificial Intelligence: Opportunity or Threat
Speakers: Tom Gruber, Co-founder, CTO and VP Design of Siri in a discussion with Molly Wood, founder and CEO of Molly Wood Media.
Essay prompt:
Tell us about your biggest takeaway from Tom Gruber and Molly Wood’s conversation on AI.
- Submissions due no later than January 31
- Winner announced on February 6
February 13 Lecture: Civil Discourse and Debate
Speakers: Claire McCaskill, U.S. Senator (2007-2018); Ben Sasse, U.S. Senator (2015-2023). Moderator: Linsey Davis, host and radio correspondent, World News Tonight Sunday and ABC News Live Prime.
Essay prompt:
Tell us about your biggest takeaway from Ms. McCaskill and Mr. Sasse’s discussion on Civil Discourse and Debate.
- Submissions due no later than February 21
- Winner announced on February 28
Submit your essay