This prize was originally established through a gift from Aaron Clark in 1859. It was later reestablished in 1892 through a gift from the Fayerweather estate.
Open to the class of 2012, The Clark Prize is directed to all senior students in all disciplines. The Clark competition includes both an essay and a speech. The paper will address the assigned topic. The essay, of not more than 10 pages, will be turned in to Professor Phelan in the Communication Department at the beginning of the Spring semester.
A group of three faculty judges will provide a blind review of the senior papers. Based on that review and the performance of all entrants in the preliminary speaking round, three seniors will be chosen to speak in the final round of the competition. The prize will be awarded to the senior who most effectively addresses the assigned topic.
Regarding the upcoming presidential election, identify and defend two or three key issues you would emphasize in a candidate's political platform to attract the largest number of voters between the ages of 18 and 25.
Papers can be submitted as an e-mail attachment by 5 p.m. February 1 to Prof. C. W. Phelan at cwphelan@hamilton.edu
All interested students are asked to sign up in advance. Registration for the competition indicates a commitment to participate.
A group of three faculty members ("Reading Committee") will provide a blind review of the essays submitted. Based on the rankings assigned by the committee, up to six semi-finalists will be selected for the preliminary competition round. Semi-finalists will each present a three to five minute oral summation based on their written paper. Each judge will assign a score for each competitor's presentation. The three competitors with the highest scores will advance to the final round of the competition.
Each competitor will present a six to eight minute speech based on their written paper and preliminary presentation. Each judge will assign a score for each competitor's presentation. The competitor receiving the highest final score will be determined to be the Clark Prize recipient.
$1,600. The Clark Prize winner will be recognized at the Class and Charter Day ceremony.
