The Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade Committee is offering a $1,000 scholarship to the high school student who pens the winning essay on "The Meaning of St. Patrick's Day."

Students may look at the meaning of St. Patrick's Day from any number of perspectives: historical, religious, sociologic, folkloric, cultural or multicultural, according to a release. Students are encouraged to share their familial or community histories, stories and customs, whether or not they happen to be Irish.

Another suggested approach might be to look at the life and values of St. Patrick: a slave himself, he was a fierce opponent of slavery. The only criterion is that, in some way, the essay should shed a fresh light on the continued meaning of St. Patrick's Day.

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, March 1.

All entries submitted become the property of Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade, Inc. A committee led by Dr. James W. Flannery, Director of the W. B. Yeats Foundation and a member of the Irish Studies program of Emory University, will judge the contest.

Send entries to:

Dr. James Flannery St.Patricksessay@gmail.com
Director, W. B. Yeats Foundation
Winship Professor of the Arts and Humanities
Emory University
1655 North Decatur Road, Room 105
Atlanta GA 30322

Announcement of the winner will be made by March 5 and the winner will be an honored guest at the 129th Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade on Saturday, March 12.