Providence student wins Bill of Rights essay contest

ROGERS — Ben Scott said he hoped to earn money for a car.

Penning the winning essay in a national contest about the virtues of the Bill of Rights brought Scott a $250 prize and became a vehicle for his writing skills.

Scott, 16, a junior at Providence Classical Christian Academy in Rogers, took top honors in the high school division of the competition, according to the Herzog Foundation, sponsor of the second annual event.

Viana Johnston of Lighthouse Christian Academy in Stevensville, Md., was the middle school division winner.

“In all honesty, I entered this contest because I needed money for a car,” Scott said in an email provided by his school Dec. 18. “I didn’t expect to win, but I was hoping for a runner-up. Even if I hadn’t received anything, I would still have enjoyed some great pizza provided by the school faculty.”

Middle school and high school students enrolled in a Christian school or home school were eligible for the contest, according to a Herzog Foundation news release. The foundation received more than 400 essay submissions from around the country, said Elizabeth Roberts, the foundation’s communications director.

“Ben’s essay was not only wonderfully written, but also conveyed a deep understanding and appreciation for one of our nation’s founding documents,” Roberts said. “We applaud Ben and Providence Classical Christian Academy for promoting excellence in civics education.”

Participants were asked to describe — in three pages or fewer — what made the Bill of Rights revolutionary and how it shaped the nation.

“The enduring impact of the Bill of Rights is not confined to the borders of the United States; it has reverberated across the world, shaping legal frameworks, influencing cultural norms and inspiring movements for freedom and human rights,” Scott wrote as part of his essay, according to the foundation news release.

“This document, with its meticulous delineation of individual rights and limitations on governmental power, has become a universal symbol of the relentless pursuit of freedom. The Bill of Rights stands as a radiant testament to how visionary ideals can transcend boundaries, shaping not only the destiny of a nation but also leaving an indelible mark on the global consciousness.”

Scott, of Little Flock, said he was intrigued after seeing the contest instructions.

“I have always held the documents that formed this country in high regard, but I hadn’t truly thought about them until that point,” Scott said. “In our current culture, our rights have never been a more controversial issue. Whether it be gun laws or freedom of speech, the Bill of Rights clearly states the answers, plain and clear.”

Each winner in the Bill of Rights competition and his school received $250 from the foundation, and each runner-up and her school received $100, according to the release.

“Winning truly means a lot, and I want to thank God for putting me in a great position to do this, with amazing teachers and family helping me along the way,” Scott said.

The Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation is based in Smithville, Mo. Its mission is to accelerate the development of Christ-centered K-12 education, according to its website. Herzog was a Christian businessman and philanthropist who died in 2019, according to the website.

Providence is an independent, Christian college preparatory school, according to its website.

Scott said after high school, he plans to attend Harding University in Searcy but isn’t certain about a major.