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 2022-2023 lectures in person or virtually. Students will get the opportunity to share their perspectives from two of the 2023 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 January and March 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
January 23 Lecture: Social Justice
Maria Ressa, 2021 Noble Prize Peace Winner
Essay prompt:
Give an example of a time you came to someone’s defense and how you found the courage to stand up to a bully. Or write about a time you witnessed someone being bullied and did nothing; what would you do differently now?
- Submissions due no later than February 10
- Winners announced on February 16
March 8 Lecture: Civil Discourse and Debate
Dr. Arthur Laffer, Economist, Medal of Freedom Recipient, Reagan Advisor; Robert Reich, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor, Economist and Bestselling Author; Moderated by Rana Foroohar, Global Economic Analyst and Financial Times Columnist
Essay prompt:
Share a time you engaged in a civil conversation with someone who had a viewpoint different than yours. Please explain why you believe it’s important to keep an open mind.
- Check back on March 14 for the essay prompt
- Submissions due no later than March 31
- Winners announced on April 7
Submit your Essay