Stimulating Political Awareness

The Practicality of Allowing Undocumented Workers to Remain in America was the title of the winning essay by University School sophomore Henry Shapard in the school's 29th annual Political Awareness Essay Competition. The awards ceremony was held at a special assembly today at the Hunting Valley Campus.

In his essay, Henry writes, "A need for work, a desire for opportunity, and an extraordinary work ethic make illegal immigrants valuable assets to society. When they come to the United States, they eagerly enter the job market and work hard to improve themselves. As a result, illegal workers change the workforce for the better. Performing the considerate act of allowing undocumented workers to remain in the United States would give hard workers a fair chance to succeed."

The second place winner was senior Sam Weitzman for his essay entitled, The Role of Responsibility in Analyzing the Threat of North Korea. The third place prize was awarded to senior, Alec Frankel for his essay, The Right to Freedom: How Roe v. Wade Transformed the Lives of American Women.

Honorable mentions went to sophomore Daniel Andreini, senior Andrew Blackwell, and sophomore Will Karakul.

The contest, which is open to all Upper School students, is aimed at stimulating political awareness and encouraging students to think and write clearly about issues in politics. The essays must demonstrate original research and are judged on the basis of logical and imaginative thinking and the expression of thoughts in a clear, provocative style.

This year, University School welcomed Paul Clark, regional president of PNC Bank, as the guest speaker. A 38-year financial services veteran, Mr. Clark joined PNC through its acquisition of National City Corporation in December 2008. He is active in a number of civic and business organizations, and serves on the boards of Baldwin Wallace University, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Musical Arts Association (Cleveland Orchestra), Playhouse Square Foundation, The United Way of Greater Cleveland, University Circle, Inc., and University Hospitals Health Systems, Inc.

To view a video of Mr. Clark's speech at the assembly, please click here.

The US class of 1935 established the Political Awareness Essay Competition in 1985. At its 50th reunion, the class wanted to give a lasting gift to the school that would academically inspire the students.  They decided to endow a political essay prize, which would create interest in political matters and encourage boys to think and write about them logically and passionately.