The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation announces student essay competition winners

The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation announces student essay competition winners

The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and The Society of Presidential Descendants are pleased to announce that First, Second, and Third-Place winners have been selected in the second annual “Presidential Families Weekend” student essay competition, which was introduced last year as a youth educational component of the Foundation’s annual array of Presidents’ Day weekend events.

Open to all Monroe County high school students, awards were announced and presented following the 2024 “Presidential Descendants Forum,” a live moderated discussion among a panel of presidential descendants held Saturday, Feb. 17, on the grounds of the Key West Harry S. Truman Little White House.

Student competitors researched and wrote on the forum’s 2024 theme of “Political Maneuvering: The Powerful Influence of the Presidency.”

First Place award was presented to Angie Herrera Yanes, an 11^th grade student at Key West High School, by presidential descendant Patricia Taft, great-granddaughter of 27^th U.S. president William Howard Taft, for Angie’s essay that explores “the intricate practice of political maneuvering, delving into its multifaceted dimensions and profound impact on the presidency.”

Second Place award was presented to Jordan Lubis, a 12^th grade student at Coral Shores High School, by presidential descendant Massee McKinley, great-great grandson of 22^nd and 24^th U.S. President Grover Cleveland, for Jordan’s essay that examines Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his “New Deal” economic relief programs and policies.

Third Place award was awarded to Caroline Garfield, an 11^th grade Coral Shores High School student for her essay titled, “The Political Maneuvering of President Thomas Jefferson.”

Juried by members of the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and The Society of Presidential Descendants, competitor’s submissions were judged on factors that included their skill at presenting the subject compellingly, according to competition guidelines; competitors were also required to provide documentation of having performed community service work during the past two years.

Monroe County School District Social Studies Coordinator Jennifer C. Barrios acted as liaison between the school district and the competition organizers.

First, Second and Third Place winners received cash prizes and tickets to attend the Feb. 17 forum.

“All of us from The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and The Society of Presidential Descendants who have been involved with the competition are so proud of these students and their accomplishments,” said Clinton Curry, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “The caliber of research and writing submitted by the contestants was truly excellent.”

The mission of The Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum, and programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historic and cultural influences of the Truman era. For more information about The Foundation and its programs, contact Foundation Deputy Director Michael Ables at michael.ables@kwtrumanfoundation.org.

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