Florida sponsors open gov essay contest

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has announced an essay contest for high school students designed to examine open government.

After reading the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, contest participants must explain the importance of one or more of the civil liberties found in the amendment and how Florida’s open government laws protect these liberties, according to the contest rules published by the governor’s office.

The contest coincides with Florida’s 2010 Sunshine Week. Observed March 14-20, Sunshine Week celebrates Florida’s laws dedicated to making state and local government more accessible to the public.

“Openness and transparency must be one of government’s top priorities in order to ensure citizens can continue to hold their leaders accountable,” Crist said.

The contest is open to all Florida high school students in grades nine through 12, and the winner will be announced during the week of March 8. The first-place winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship, the second-place winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship, and third place will get a $1,000 scholarship. The winners will be invited to attend an event at the Florida governor's mansion.