Defending the importance of the 13th Amendment helped middle-schooler Daniel Hutton capture a grand prize in last year’s Mayor’s Constitution Day Contest.
In his essay, Daniel explains how the amendment, which abolished slavery, changed the face of our country. He wrote, “It allowed our country to make profit from commerce and the buying and selling of goods, not people.” He added, “We had finally realized the dubious moral values of considering people as products, and had taken a step toward abolishing that concept by changing our Constitution for, in my opinion, the better.”
The Mayor is again running the Constitution Day Contest to commemorate the Sept. 17, 1797, signing of the U. S. Constitution.
“Every year, I receive many thoughtful and creative entries for our Constitution Day Contest,” said Mayor Lane. “With this contest, I look forward to increasing the student interest and awareness of the importance of the United States Constitution on life in America.
We hope to expand the knowledge and appreciation for one of the finest documents in the world for democratic governance and individual liberty.”
This year’s contest includes an art/video category in addition to the essay category. Prizes will be awarded in both categories for three age groups:
First through fifth grades
Sixth through eighth grades
High school
Contest details for parents and participants are available on the city’s website at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Constitution Contest.”
Entries can be submitted at any Scottsdale Public Library information desk and also may be submitted electronically to Kelli Kuester at [email protected].
Entries must be submitted, mailed or postmarked by Saturday, Sept. 17.
Mayor Lane will host a reception for participants and their families at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Mountain View Community Center, 8625 E. Mountain View Road.
