DREAM BUILDERS OF AMERICA’S YOUTH INC. AND THE AUGUSTA CONFERENCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ATTORNEYS (ACAAA)

2022 JUDGE JOHN “JACK” RUFFIN, Jr. TRAILBLAZER SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY CONTEST

In honor of Judge John “Jack” Ruffin Jr., Dream Builders and the ACAAA are sponsoring their Twelfth Annual Judge John H. Ruffin Trailblazer Scholarship Essay Contest. The essay contest is for graduating college-bound seniors only throughout the CSRA.

This year the students will address the questions listed below, based upon actual research, relating to the ABA Law Day Theme “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change”.   In addition to the research-based essay, students should submit a personal statement.   A minimum award of $1000.00 each will be given to one male and one female high school senior, and one female and one male participant in the Fort Gordon Campus Youth Challenge. The winners will receive their checks at the Law Day Dinner held by the Augusta Bar Association on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

American Bar Association Law Day Theme: “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change”

Meaning: The Constitution is a dynamic document, as it not only outlines a blueprint for government, but also delegates power, articulates rights, and offers mechanisms for change. It is neither perfect, nor exhaustive, as our nation’s history makes clear. Legislation, court rulings, amendments, lawyers, and “we the people” have built upon those original words across generations to attempt to make the “more perfect Union” more real. That effort continues today, as contemporary leaders and everyday citizens raise their voices as loud as ever to fulfill the promise of the Constitution. Defining and refining those words of the Constitution might be our oldest national tradition, and how each of us works—together—toward a more perfect Union.

DUE DATE: April 25, 2022
Email to DreamPlanAchieve.jeffords@comcast.com or mail to Dream Builders at 437 Walker Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901. If mailed, the essay must be received by April 25, 2022.

DATE FOR AWARD: The winner will receive notification by April 27, 2022 and will receive checks at the Law Day Dinner on April 28, 2022. The winner must be present at the dinner to receive the award. The minimum $1000.00 award must be used for school related purposes. (i.e., tuition, books, tests, college rent).  

If you have questions, please contact Tanya Jeffords or Elana Galvan at 706-722-3019.

Part One: Essay

Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson is a Supreme Court Justice nominee who recently completed confirmation hearings. Which branches of government are involved in the selection of a new Supreme Court Justice and what is their role? Describe the significance of the confirmation process and the role of a Supreme Court Justice in relation to the Constitution. What characteristics do you think are important for one to hold as a Supreme Court Justice?

Essay Requirements: Maximum 2 pages, double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font.    Essays and personal statements will be reviewed for content, development of ideas, as well as sentence structure, word choice, and grammar. It is highly recommended that you have your essay reviewed by one of your teachers. Please include that educator’s contact information on the second form attached.

Part Two: Personal Statement

What life experiences helped you develop your educational and professional goals?  How would winning this award help you in your pursuit of achieving them?

Personal Statement Requirements: No less than 1 and no more than 2 pages, double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font. Essays and personal statements will be reviewed for content, development of ideas, as well as sentence structure, word choice, and grammar. It is highly recommended that you have your essay reviewed by one of your teachers. Please include that educator’s contact information on the second form attached.

Please complete the next page and submit it with your essay. The information on the 2nd page must be included with your email. DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME OR ANY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ON YOUR ESSAY. 

If you have questions, please contact Tanya Jeffords or Elana Galvan at 706-722-3019.

Please download THIS FORM and include with your essay

Posted by Dream Builders on Thursday, April 7th, 2022 @ 10:47AM
Categories: News, Newsletter