Jane Kessler Essay Contest 2026

Many famous and noteworthy Hoosiers have ties to Montgomery County.   Please read the following prompt and select one of the following Montgomery County natives from the list below.  The essay should be between 250 - 500 words, typed or printed neatly and submitted on or before March 20th, 2026.

An Unfinished Revolution – The Ongoing Struggle for Liberty, Justice, and Equality

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While the American Revolution (1775-1783) marked the birth of a new nation grounded in the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. These ideals were not fully realized for all people. This left a legacy of persistent struggles, hard-fought progress, and unfinished work to make those promises come true for everyone. Please select one notable Montgomery County historic figure and answer the following questions:

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• What did this person do to help others have more freedom or fairness?

• How does their story show that the work of the American Revolution is not finished?

• Why is it important to remember their actions today?

Please choose one of the following persons to research: Harry Freedman, Elizabeth Boynton Harbert, Sen. Henry S. Lane, Blanche Patterson, John Speed, Dr. Mary Holloway Wilhite