
George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest: A Quest for Exceptional Scholars Contest Overview Essay Requirements Evaluation Criteria Awards and Recognition Benefits of Participation How to Apply Conclusion
The George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest offers a unique opportunity for high school seniors to showcase their exceptional academic abilities and critical thinking skills. This esteemed competition recognizes the most promising young minds who demonstrate a profound understanding of history, current events, and the human condition.

Eligibility: Open to high school seniors who are United States citizens or permanent residents.
Theme: Varies annually, focusing on significant historical or contemporary issues.
Word Count: 800-1,200 words
Deadline: Typically in early spring
Key Dates
- February 15: Contest announcement and theme release
- March 15: Submission deadline
- April 30: Finalists announced
- May 15: Award ceremony and recognition
The contest essay must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Original: The essay must be the student’s original work.
- Well-Researched: The essay must be supported by credible sources and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the contest topic.
- Well-Written: The essay must be clear, concise, and engaging, with a strong thesis statement and logical structure.
- Engaging: The essay must captivate the reader and demonstrate the student’s ability to present complex ideas in a compelling manner.
Essays are judged based on the following criteria:
- Thesis Statement: Strength and originality of the thesis statement.
- Research: Depth and accuracy of research.
- Analysis: Critical analysis of the topic.
- Writing Style: Clarity, concision, and engagement.
- Originality: Unique insights and perspectives.
The top essays receive prestigious awards and recognition, including:
- First Place: $10,000 scholarship and publication in the prestigious Journal of the American Historical Society.
- Second Place: $5,000 scholarship and publication in the Journal of the American Historical Society.
- Third Place: $2,500 scholarship and publication in the Journal of the American Historical Society.
- Honorable Mentions: Additional cash awards and recognition.
Participating in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest offers numerous benefits for high school seniors:
- Scholarship Opportunities: Significant scholarship prizes to support higher education expenses.
- Publication Prestige: Publication of essays in the renowned Journal of the American Historical Society.
- Recognition and Validation: Acknowledgement of academic excellence and critical thinking abilities.
- Intellectual Enrichment: Deepening understanding of history, current events, and the human condition.
- College Admission Advantage: Stand out in college applications and demonstrate exceptional academic capabilities.
Interested students should visit the official George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest website for application instructions and details. The contest website provides resources such as FAQs, sample essays, and writing tips.
The George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest is a transformative opportunity for high school seniors to demonstrate their intellectual prowess and make a lasting impact on the academic community. By engaging in this prestigious competition, students can showcase their critical thinking skills, research abilities, and passion for history and current events. The awards, recognition, and educational enrichment offered by this contest empower students to pursue their academic aspirations with excellence and distinction.