Oratorical Essay Contest Guidelines
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school senior during the 2025–2026 academic year
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Must be enrolled in an accredited high school
- Complete Pastor Jerry Jerkins 2025 Scholarship Application Form: bit.ly/40i5DyF
- Must submit all required application materials by August 30, 2025
Essay Components:
- Essay must be based on the Scholarship 2025 Theme: “Boundless Influence, The Power of One Life” and include aspects of Pastor Jerkins’ leadership, civic/social engagement and impact on the Clarksville-Montgomery County, Tennessee community.
- Essay should be original, inspiring, and well-researched
Essay Requirements
- Video essay should be 5 minutes in length and uploaded to Essay Submission Folder: bit.ly/4kCDABo
- Participants will be judged on clarity, articulation, confidence, and creativity
- Content (40%) – Strength of argument, originality, and relevance to theme
- Delivery (30%) – Voice quality, enthusiasm, and confidence
- Structure (20%) – Logical flow and organization of ideas
- Impact (10%) – Persuasiveness and emotional resonance
Awards:
- Three $1,000 Scholarships will be announced and presented on September 20, 2025 at the Clarksville Hilton Garden Inn, 11:30 AM.