(Shirley Roberts 7-12-15)
SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY TOPICS
PATRIOTISM: love and loyal or zealous support of one's country
-- Webster’s New World Dictionary
Each of these people was a famous, productive American. They exhibited their patriotism in different ways. Choose one as
the subject of the essay for your scholarship entry. Be sure your essay addresses all of these questions:
1.
2.
What role did your subject play in the history of our nation?
Give specific example(s) of this person’s actions that had an impact on our nation.
3.
Give specific examples(s) of this person’s actions and how those actions have an impact on our lives today.
4.
What makes this person a patriot? Be specific, using the above dictionary definition to help you understand the
meaning of patriotism.
Can this person be considered a role model for people today?
5.
Choose one subject. Use the listed websites as your reference material:
CRISPUS ATTUCKS – Crispus Attucks has been immortalized as the first casualty of the American Revolutionary War
and the first African-American hero. He was the first person shot and killed in the historic event that became known as The
Boston Massacre. He represents 5,000 African-American soldiers who fought for independence.
www.crispusattucksmuseum.org
www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2p24.html
www.biography.com/people/crispus-attucks-9191864
NATHAN HALE –After graduating from Yale University, Hale became a teacher. When war brewed in the American
colonies, he joined a Connecticut regiment and served in the siege of Boston. He was then captured by the British in New
York City and hanged on charges of espionage.
www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/revolut/jb_revolut_hale_1.html
www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/nathanhale1.htm
www.biography.com/people/nathan-hale-9325477
JOHN HANCOCK – Hancock was an 18th century U.S. merchant who was president of the Continental Congress and the
first person to sign the Declaration of Independence.
www.biography.com/people/john-hancock-9327271
www.john-hancock-heritage.com/
www.notablebiographies.com/Gi-He/Hancock-John.html
BENJAMIN HARRISON – Harrison, as an Indiana resident, served as a general in the Civil War. As our 23rd president, he
ushered in our nation’s Progressive Era.
www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org/learn/benjamin-harrison-1
www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/benjaminharrison
millercenter.org/president/bharrison
CAROLINE SCOTT HARRISON – She was a music teacher and wife of the 23rd president. Fascinated by history and
preservation, she helped found the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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(Shirley Roberts 7-12-15)
http://www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org/learn/caroline-scott-harrison
http://www.biography.com/people/caroline-harrison-40614
www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=24
JOHN JAY – He was among the Americans who negotiated the peace with Great Britain that secured independence for the
colonies. He served as secretary for foreign affairs and was the first chief justice of the United States.
www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/digital/jay/biography.html
www.biography.com/people/john-jay-9353566
www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/jay.htm
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