Baldwin City USD 348

[05/12/2008] BHS Sweeps Essay Contest

In a county-wide essay contest, three Baldwin High School seniors took the contest in a clean sweep. First went to Marianne Schroer, second went to Sarah Eberhart, and third went Jodie Beauthien.

As school draws to an end and seniors ready for graduation, scholarship money is being scoped out for college. Judge Michael Malone is a part of a scholarship contest for graduating seniors who want to further their education. The students were asked to write about "the importance of an independent judiciary system."

Earlier in the school year, Judge Malone contacted government teachers throughout Douglas County, explaining to them about the contest. The Douglas County.... [More] Law Library and the Douglas County Bar Association are responsible for the funding of this new scholarship.

"Judge Malone called me because it is the first time for this scholarship," BHS government teacher Kathleen Sigvaldson said. "He wanted some ideas from myself, and other teachers."

Sigvaldson soon set her AP government class to work writing their own essays.

"Mrs. Sigvaldson made us write the essay for class and to submit it for the contest. I didn't figure I would win, I was surprised," Schroer said. "I was really glad the other girls won, too."

The essay was supposed to be 500 words about the importance of an independent judiciary system. Surrounding schools entered, and there were a total of ten contestants.

"I read their papers and thought they were competitive," Sigvaldson said. "I wasn't surprised to have someone from Baldwin win, but I was pleased about taking it all."

With the first place prize of $1,100, Schroer was invited to the Annual Luncheon where Judge Malone presented her with a check. Eberhart and Beauthien won $850 and $500.

"Yay, we won!" said Beauthien.

Schroer's essay was so impressive, she even captured the eye of the Dean of KU Law School.

"I am not sure if any of us would have actually taken the time to submit the essay if Mrs. Sigvaldson had not made us," Eberhart said. "But I'm glad we did."

For students who have a knack for writing, this scholarship is a good one to try for. The qualifications are simple and it is not well known.

"Baldwin apparently is good at it," Schroer said. "It is more money than your normal scholarship, it was only 500 words which was easy to do."

Judge Malone, with the help of the DCLL and the DCBA, hope to make this contest an annual event. [Less]

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