The winners of the first University of Louisiana Monroe Constitution Day Essay Contest have been announced; the contest is intended to become an annual one.

Strauss

Charles Strauss, a political science sophomore from Sulphur, won first prize for his essay titled, "Powers of the People: Constitutional Concerns in Its Third Century.”

Jay Weimar, a freshman English major from Shreveport, earned the second place prize for his essay, "The Importance and Revival of the Freedom of Expression."

Each winner received award certificates, gift bag items and gift certificates from the ULM bookstore: first prize was $25; second prize was $15. They were bestowed at the ULM Library’s “Celebrating 60 Years of Documents” program reception Thursday, Sept. 25, by Dr. Karen Cook, contest co-organizer and government documents librarian.

ULM’s Dr. Joshua Stockley and Dr. John Sutherlin judged the essays, assisted by Megan Lowe, assistant professor of library science and reference librarian.

The Constitution Day Essay Contest came about as a collaboration between the ULM Political Science Department and the University Library. It had as its first theme "The Freedom to Express Yourself" and was open to all ULM students. The contest ultimately commemorates "Constitution Day," celebrated each year on Sept. 17, which marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 by thirty-nine delegates to the Constitutional Convention.




Photo by Richard Lupo, University Photo Services