The Arkansas School Boards Association is excited to once again host a personal essay and speaking contest, offering Arkansas 11th and 12th graders the chance to present before school board members and administrators at the 2024 ASBA Annual Conference, held December 11-13, 2024, at the Little Rock Marriott - Statehouse Convention Center.
This year's topic, "Schools of the Future," encourages students to share innovative ideas for redesigning education with new technologies, flexible schedules, and creative teaching methods.
Participants have the chance to win cash prizes—$1,000 for 1st place, $750 for 2nd place, $500 for 3rd place, and $250 for honorable mention! Winners will also present their essays at the conference, receive recognition on the ASBA website, and have their work featured in the ASBA quarterly publication, Report Card.
Contest Details:
Open to juniors and seniors from ASBA member schools (1 submission per member district - Each district may choose its applicant using the method it deems most appropriate.)
Applications due by 4 p.m. on October 24, 2024
Required Submissions:
Online application, which includes -
600-750 word essay
Video of the essay presented as a speech
Signed Parental Release Form (located in the contest rules and guidelines document)
Essays and presentations will be judged on content quality, delivery, and originality.
Full contest rules, along with a link to the online application, can be accessed at https://5il.co/2vbjg. Be sure to read and follow all of the guidelines as non-adherence will disqualify your entry from consideration.
Best of luck to all of our student speakers! We look forward to hearing your ideas on reshaping the future of education.