News & Announcements


Fourth Circuit Sponsors 2021 High School Essay Contest

January 29, 2021
2021 Essay Contest

In his inaugural address 60 years ago, President John F. Kennedy uttered a profound and enduring challenge regarding citizenship: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” As Kennedy recognized, citizenship carries with it both rights and responsibilities.

What are the responsibilities of citizenship, and how do those responsibilities support and reinforce the rule of law?


The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is seeking submissions for its 2021 essay contest. 

Students are invited to consider and share their thoughts on the question: "What are the responsibilities of citizenship, and how do those responsibilities support and reinforce the rule of law?" 

The contest is open to all students currently in grades 9 through 12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Essays are limited to 1,000 words and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2021.

Students have the opportunity to win one of three cash prizes: first place, $2,000; second place, $1,500; and third place, $1,000. 

Winners will be announced in the summer, and travel will be provided to the court’s Essay Awards Program in September 2021.

For additional information and instructions on how to submit an essay, visit www.ca4.uscourts.gov/essay-contest-2021

For questions, contact the Fourth Circuit Clerk’s Office at essaycontest@ca4.uscourts.gov or (804) 916-2706.

Please note: Prior award winners as well as children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and members of the household of a federal judge or federal judiciary employee are excluded from the competition.