Students from across the state took part in the annual Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest which allows students from grades K through 12 to participate, with older students submitting essays regarding the Maine Constitution, voting and democracy; and younger students creating posters reflecting Maine history or symbols.
The essay contest theme for grades 6-8 is “The Maine Constitution.” Rylee Bellemare, a seventh-grade student at Windsor Elementary School, received top honors for her essay titled “Parks and Recreation.”
The theme for grades 9-12 is “The Importance of Voting and Democracy.” Kiley Eckstein, an 11-grade student at Highview Christian Academy in Charleston, took first place for her essay titled “Making Your Voice Heard.”
The poster contest theme for grades K-3 is “Maine Symbols.” Jade L. Noel, a kindergarten student at Jameson Elementary School in Old Orchard Beach, received top honors for her symbols poster with a four seasons theme.
The theme for grades 4-5 is “Maine History.” Rebecca D’Amico, a fourth-grade student at Belgrade Central School, took first place for her poster depicting Maine’s shipbuilding history.
These students and their classmates are invited to view the original 1820 Constitution at the Maine State Archives in Augusta that will be removed from the storage vault for this special viewing.
Judges for this year’s contest were: Sen. Thomas B. Saviello of Wilton, Rep. Michelle A. Dunphy of Old Town and Rep. Louis J. Luchini of Ellsworth.
To learn more about the program and view winning entries from this year’s contest, visit http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/student-programs/const_essay.htm.