(Charlottetown, P.E.I.) – The Symons Medal and Lecture Essay Contest invites PEI students in grades 11 and 12 to submit an original and creative essay on the State of Canadian Confederation. Winning essayists will receive prizes totaling $2,000.

The 2017 Symons Medal was awarded to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin P.J. Trudeau at Confederation Centre of the Arts on November 23. The Symons Medal is one of Canada’s most prestigious honours and recognizes a distinguished person who has made an exceptional contribution to Canadian life.

Students are asked to address the topics and themes presented by the Symons Medalist. The essay should be between 700-1000 words in English or French, on any topic that was discussed in Mr. Trudeau’s lecture or during the question and answer period. The presentation is available online at Confederation Centre’s website.

Students must deliver their submissions by March 23, 2018 via email to [email protected], or mail to Kara Hughes, Confederation Centre at 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown PE, C1A 1J1, or hand delivery to the same address.

First place winner will receive $1,000; second place $650; third place $350. The essays will be reviewed by a panel of judges appointed by the Centre.

The winners will be contacted and announced in May 2018.

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Photo Cutline: The Right Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is the 2017 recipient of the prestigious Symons Medal from Confederation Centre of the Arts. Mr. Trudeau received the Symons Medal and offered his thoughts on the current state of Canadian Confederation in a public ceremony at Confederation Centre on November 23, 2017 (image Louise Vessey).

About the Symons Medal Ceremony and Lecture:
The Symons Medal and Lecture Series is named in honour of Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, a long-time supporter of Confederation Centre and a Board Governor. Professor Symons, the founding President of Trent University, is widely recognized for his work in the field of Canadian Studies, particularly within public policy, heritage, and education.

Media contact:
Tanya Wiltshire, Communications Manager, Confederation Centre of the Arts
T: 902.628.6135 (office) E:  [email protected]
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For more Centre news: confederationcentre.com/en/news.php
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