Categories for Presenting Entries
Students may present their entries in one of ten ways:
1. Speech—a portrayal of an actual speech. It should be representative of the original speech. The speech must be an example of freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
2. Music/Song/Dance—a rendition of a musical selection, song, or dance. It must be performed in the same original manner intended by the first performers. The selection must be an example of freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
3. Historical Drama—a portrayal of an actual event in history in the same manner and delivery as first acted (recorded) in history. The historical drama must be an example of freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
4. Media—a documentary that may take the form of a DVD, slide show, or PowerPoint presentation of similar type of multimedia or digital presentations. It may use images such as film, video, or photographs (and audio) to portray an actual media recorded event in history and offer argument for and evidence of the significance of the recorded event(s) in history. The documentary must be an example of freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
5. Strictly Photography—a photographic depiction of freedoms of religion, speech, press, assemble, and petition (combined) with representation of an historical event (or time in history) and its significance in history, much like a photographer’s exhibit. Photographic images and constructed pictorial displays must be used and the exhibit’s pictures must be an example of freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
6. Dramatic Reading— a creative and interpretive – yet historically accurate – interpretation of scripture readings, prayers, poems, or lyrics delivered in the same manner and style of delivery within a specific historic time period. The dramatic reading must be an example of freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
7. Display/Exhibit/Replica—a visual representation of a topic and its significance in history, much like a small museum exhibit or display. Visual images and constructed displays must be used and the exhibit must be an example of freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs. (Sub-categories are: architecture, sculpture, symbols, art, stamps & inventions.)
8. Debate—a portrayal of a significant historical debate regarding religious freedoms and/or their expressions. The debate must be historically accurate and reflect the argument for the freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
9. The Arts—a combination of any two or three art forms into one presentation regarding religious freedoms and/or their expressions. The selection must be historically accurate and reflect the argument for the freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
10. The Mix—a combination of any three or four categories into one presentation regarding religious freedoms and/or their expressions. Themes for this category are: faith in sports, faith in schools, faith in politics, or faith in the workplace. The selection must be historically accurate and reflect the argument for the freedom of religious expression and make reference to Deity or reliance upon religious beliefs.
Additional Requirements
Every entry must include an annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary sources. In every category, students must write (include) a 240-word paper explaining the historical significance of their selection/topic and its historical reference in American history. The paper must be written according to current APA requirements. Emphasis should be placed on the importance of the historical event in relation to freedoms of religion, speech, press, assemble, and petition with their connection to the significance and reliance upon the freedom of religious expression and its connection to the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. At each level of the contest, students present their work to a team of judges and read their 240-word paper. The judges review each entry’s presentation and related written materials, and also interview each student or group individually.