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 2022 lectures in person or virtually. Students will get the opportunity to share their perspectives from each of the Winter/Spring 2022 lectures and win up to a $500 scholarship award from Park. After each lecture, the top three submissions will be selected, with the winner earning a $500 scholarship award, second place getting $250 and $100 going to the third-place winner. 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 (250 – 500 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 scholarship of $500 (1st place), $250 (2nd place) or $100 (3rd place) for the February, March & April lectures.
- The essay prompt will be provided to students one week following the lecture.
- Students will have approximately two weeks to submit their essay or video.
- The top 3 winners will be announced and the awards will be presented at the next lecture. The scholarship checks will be mailed directly to the winners 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 250-500 words and copy text directly into submission form
- Complete the information required prior to the deadline provided for each lecture




Important Essay Competition Dates
February 16 Lecture
Health & Well-Being featuring Abby Wambach
- Submissions due by no later than March 4
- Winners announced on March 10
March 10 Lecture
National Security Program featuring H.R. McMaster and Mary Louise Kelly
- Check back on March 18 for the Essay Prompt
- Submissions due by no later than April 1
- Winners announced on April 6
April 6 Lecture
Civil Discourse and Debate featuring Paul Begala and Karl Rove
- Check back on April 13 for the Essay Prompt
- Submission due by no later than April 27
- Winners announced on May 4
Submit your Essay
April Essay Prompt:
Paul Begala said the most important phrase in any kind of relationship is “I hear you.” He explained you need to hear people who are different from you and respect them. Give an example of a time you listened and showed respect to someone who had a different viewpoint than you.