SKOWHEGAN, Maine — The Margaret Chase Smith Library recently announced the topic of its 20th annual essay contest: presidential leadership. The competition is open to Maine high school seniors.
In 1960 The New York Times asked Sen. Chase Smith what qualities she looked for in a president. Her response was clear and concise: “The most obvious qualities an ideal president should have are integrity, intelligence and fairness.” With the 58th presidential election approaching, the Margaret Chase Smith Library wants to know what qualities teenagers, who will be eligible to vote for the first time, are looking for in a prospective president.
Entries are due by April 1 and decisions will be announced on May 1. Prizes are $50 for five honorable mentions, $250 for third place, $500 for second place, and $1,000 for first place.
Located in Skowhegan, the library is owned by the Margaret Chase Smith Foundation and operated under its auspices by the University of Maine. The facility is an archive, museum, educational facility and public policy center devoted to preserving the legacy of Margaret Chase Smith, promoting research into American political history, advancing the ideals of public service and exploring issues of civic engagement.
For more information, visit the library’s website, www.mcslibrary.org/program/edu/essay.htm, or contact John Taylor at 474-7133.
