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Essay Contest Scholarship

The Hayes Kennedy Scholarship is a $2,000 award given annually to the citizen who presents the best original essay on a selected topic related to the Constitution of the United States or the Illinois Constitution. The winner of the Essay Contest will receive the Hayes Kennedy Scholarship, named in honor of one of the co-founders of Premier Boys State. The essay must be over 500 words, but should not exceed 1000 words, in length. Essays must be typed using good literary style, properly paragraphed, punctuated, etc.  All contestants are required to submit their essay electronically before the deadline. Although not required, work on the essays prior to arriving at Boys State is allowed. Additional procedures and the required passwords to submit essays will be provided during the session.

The topic and deadline for the 2025 Hayes Kennedy Essay Contest will be published in early April.

Speech Contest Scholarship

The Commander’s Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship awarded annually to the citizen who prepared the best original four to six minute speech on a selected topic about Abraham Lincoln. The Commander’s Scholarship has been established in honor of the current Commander of the American Legion of Illinois. After a preliminary round of individual presentations, a maximum of ten finalists will be selected to deliver their speeches before qualified judges. The final decision will be based on the customary speech contest points of content, organization, and delivery. Contestants must understand that the contest is for original speeches only and that the customary rules of such contests which limit direct quotations to fifty words at one time will be enforced. Contestants are free to use notes during their presentation. Although not required, work on the speech prior to arriving at Boys State is allowed.

The topic and deadline for the 2025 Commander’s Speech Contest will be published in early April.