President Byers-Pevitts Proclaims Democracy Day
More than 200 years ago on September 17, 1787, the 55 delegates to the
Constitutional Convention held their final meeting in which they signed the
Constitution of the United States of America. This momentous assembly set forth
the foundation and future of our great nation.
In honor of this historical occasion, the U.S. Congress passed a bill requiring
federally funded schools and colleges to hold an educational program each year
to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. This holiday,
CONSTITUTION DAY, is a day we as citizens should pay tribute to the greatest
expression of statesmanship and compromise ever written—the Constitution of the
United States of America. It is more than four hand-written pages—it is a guide
for the greatest form of government the world has ever known.
To celebrate and support this federal holiday, I am declaring Tuesday, November
4, “Democracy Day” using the U.S. Constitution as the theme.
Park University is sponsoring an essay contest for high school seniors
throughout the United States. The selected topic, “Should the Electoral College
Be Abolished?”, allows participants to consider ways the
Constitution is important to Americans, as well as to the world, as democracy is
fast becoming the most commonly embraced form of government.
The grand prize winner of the contest will receive a $2,000 Park University
scholarship or a $1,000 scholarship to the college or university of their
choice. Five first place winners will receive $250 each. The
winners’ essays will be posted on the Park University and Presidents Park web
sites.
Essays will be judged by distinguished panels of scholars and public officials.
In addition, we will offer a limited number of free printed copies of The U.S. Constitution
and Fascinating Facts About It (edited by Terry L. Jordan) to participating
schools for distribution to their seniors.
I am pleased to announce that Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia will
once again join the University as partner and co-sponsor. Presidents Park serves to
promote a better understanding of the American presidency, foster an
appreciation for our presidents as individuals, encourage civic responsibility
and involvement, and provide educational opportunities of the highest standards.
Educating citizens of the United States is the key to a vibrant democracy. Park
University supports our students and communities in understanding their freedoms
and to realize their Founding Fathers’ vision for a prosperous future.
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