Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Hope and Stanley Adelstein Free Speech Essay Contest Prompt Announcement!
Since 2012, The Hope and Stanley Adelstein Free Speech Essay Contest has challenged high school students in Northeast Ohio to examine the role of free speech in the 21st century. The essay contest was established by Hope and Stanley as part of the City Club’s Centennial celebration. The Adelstein's were longtime City Club members, philanthropists, and environmental activists. Stanley joined the City Club in 1941 and remained an active member until his death in 2014. Hope’s hallmark was civic involvement, and she was active in the Cleveland community until her death in 2016.
All high school students in Northeastern Ohio are eligible to apply for scholarship prizes. Each submitted essay should pull from personal experience, current events, history, politics, art, or any other source that can be backed up with evidence. Essays will be judged on their clarity, content, originality, and significance.
2025 Essay Contest Prompt:
In recent years, student protests on various issues have sparked debate over the balance between free speech and institutional authority. In some cases, universities have responded with disciplinary actions such as suspensions or expulsions when students did not comply with warnings to end their protests.
In light of this, think of a current or past example where student free speech has been questioned or challenged. Should students be punished for expressing their views, or does free speech protect their right to protest? How much control should schools have over student expression, and where should the limits be drawn?
The 2025 Hope and Stanley Adelstein Essay Contest is officially open for submissions!
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 14th
Awards:
11/12 Grade -
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First Place: $1,000
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Second Place: $750
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Third Place: $500
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Honorable Mention: $250
9/10 Grade-
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First Place: $500
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Second Place: $250
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Third Place: $150
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Honorable Mention: $100
For any questions regarding the Essay Contest, please contact Ariana Smith at arianasmith@cityclub.org.
Interested in being a judge for the upcoming essay contest? Click here to complete this short interest form