Slogan & Essay Contests

For the past 20 years, the Office of the Secretary of State has held a statewide slogan and essay contest for Kentucky high school students, in accordance with KRS 117.900.  These contests are part of the Secretary's efforts to increase the civic awareness of Kentucky's youth.  Though the contest has always highlighted issues relating to voting and elections, this year the essay contest will also address the First Amendment right to freedom of the press.

We are proud to partner with the Kentucky Education Association, the Scripps Howard First Amendment Center, a division of the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications, and KEA Retired.  Without their financial support and involvement, this contest would not be possible.

We are excited to announce the winners of the 2009 Slogan Contest.  These individuals are as follows: 

Slogan Contest Winners

1st Place – Chris Kuehl, 8th Grade, Woodford County Middle School
Slogan – Kentucky:  Racing to the Polls

2nd Place – Brian Kelly, 7th Grade, Gray Middle School
Slogan – Gallop To The Ballot...Kentucky!

3rd Place – Curtis Ham, 8th Grade, Woodford County Middle School
Slogan – Your state, your government, your vote

We are excited to announce the winners of the 2009 Essay Contest.  These individuals are as follows:

Essay Contest

9th Grade Winner – Ben Koch, St. Xavier High School

10th Grade Winner – Aaron Wilson, Covington Catholic High School

11th Grade Winner – Caleb Watkins, Corbin High School

12th Grade Winner – Andrew Vaughn, FAITH Homeschool Group

This year the Slogan Contest has been modified to allow entries from students in 6th, 7th & 8th grades. Awards will be given to the overall first, second, and third place winners.

First place will receive $500 cash or a $1,000 savings bond.
Second place will receive $300 cash or a $600 savings bond.
Third place will receive $200 cash or a $400 savings bond.

All entries must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. (EST) Friday, November 20, 2009 or postmarked by that day to be eligible for consideration.

Winners will be notified no later than March 2010.

Click here for more information and to enter the Slogan Contest.

The Essay Contest awards a first place prize in 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade.  Each winner will receive $750 cash or a $1500 savings bond.

All entries must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. (EST) Friday, November 20, 2009 or postmarked by that day to be eligible for consideration.

Winners will be notified no later than March 2010.

Click here for more information and to enter the Essay Contest.