May 21, 2004 – All V.I. students in Grades 5 through 12 are invited to participate in a V.I. Education Department essay contest highlighting Alexander Hamilton's youthful years spent on St. Croix.
Alexander Hamilton came to St. Croix from Nevis at age 9 and remained until he was about 17, according to a release from the office of Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards. After surviving the death of his mother and a hurricane that devastated the island, Hamilton left St. Croix and later became the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America. His face appears on the U.S. ten-dollar bill.
Contest participants are asked to write on the following theme: "Reflecting on Alexander Hamilton's Childhood Experiences; discuss how such experiences can prepare an individual for leadership."
The deadline for submissions is June 21. Entries must be postmarked or hand-delivered by June 21, and no entries will be accepted after this date. Please mail or hand-deliver submissions to: 2004 Hamilton Essay Contest, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, United States Virgin Islands, 1105 King Street, St. Croix, VI 00820.
All students in the territory in Grades 5 through 12 are eligible. Entries will be divided into two categories: 5th-8th graders (minimum 250 words); and 9th-twelfth grades (minimum 400 words).
Participants must include a cover page stating their name, school, age, grade, name of teacher and essay title, and containing as well the original signature of the student. It should be stapled to the upper left-hand corner of the manuscript.
Manuscripts must be typed or computer-printed in legible black type; double-spaced; printed on one side of letter-sized 8½"-by-11" white paper with one-inch margins; and submitted flat, not folded. Manuscripts will not be returned.
Teachers may provide general support and suggestions to students preparing entries, and are encouraged to proofread the essays. Prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place winners in each category.
For additional information, call Angela Johnson, public information officer, in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at 773-6449.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
