Essay Topics
2024-2025 School Year
Select a location below to view your topic:
Essay Rules
Essays which do not meet the following guidelines will be disqualified:
- Essay must be at least 1000 words excluding cover page and works cited.
- Essay must be double spaced.
- Essay must be submitted before deadline.
- Essay must be the applicant’s original work.
- Essay must follow the prompt given.
Silver Pen Basics
- The Silver Pen Writing Competition started in 2012 as a way to bridge the communication gap between high school seniors and our members.
- Each community chooses an essay topic this year’s competition. Topics will not be released until the day Silver Pen is released to schools.
- Members at each community will select three winners.
- Winners will receive their awards at a special Silver Pen Ceremony.
Feb
16
Timeline
Submissions Start: 11/18/24Applications Due: 2/16/25
Winners Announced: 3/17/25
Awards
1st Place – $2,5002nd Place – $1,250
Am I Eligible?
Silver Pen is open to:
- All high school seniors who live or attend school within 25 miles of the community they are applying to
- Community employees and children of employees
- Residents limited families – grand (great grand) children, nieces and nephews (grand nieces and nephews)
Frequently Asked Questions
Stats at a Glance
$554,750
Total awarded since 2012
525
Total Award Winners
15
Participating Locations
45
Winners selected last year
16.5
Average applications per community
$3,750
Amount awarded per community
248
Total applications received in 2023-2024
Apply Now
Applications Due: Feb 15, 2024Required Documents
- Essay
- Transcript