Freedom of Speech Video Contest Gives Students a Voice

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Creative students could win as much as $500 for developing a video about the U.S. Constitution as part of a video contest sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia State Bar.

Participants are asked to create a 3-minute video with the theme “We the People: Freedom of Speech.” The contest is open to West Virginia public school students in grades 6 – 12. Entries will be divided by middle school and high school. First place in each category receives $500, while second place wins $250. The creators of the first place videos also will be invited to attend the West Virginia State Bar’s annual meeting on May 9 at the Sheraton Four Points in Charleston.

Videos will be judged based on originality, creativity, adherence to the theme and overall quality. Entries must include parental permission for those under the age of 18. Students interested in entering the contest can fill out an application as well as read the rules at http://wvde.state.wv.us/wvstatebar. Submissions for 2014 will be accepted from Feb. 17 to April 4.

For more information, contact Joyce Morton with the West Virginia State Bar at 304-641-2127 or jhm26288@me.comor the WVDE Office of Communication at 304-558-2699.