The Honors College at The University of Alabama instituted this contest following Harper Lee’s 2001 induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor. Alabama public, private, and eligible home-schooled students in grades 9-12 are invited to submit 600-750 word essays reflecting their perceptions regarding why -- 50 years since its publication -- To Kill a Mockingbird remains an iconic work of American fiction. Each participating school chooses a winning entry, and a monetary prize is awarded to these winners; additionally, a statewide student winner is chosen by a panel of judges from the UA Honors College to receive $500, and $500 will also go that student’s school. The contest is co-sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education.
