Due to the generosity of Howard D. Polsky '73, all Political Science majors at Lehigh University were invited to submit an essay on the following topic:
Essay Question:
Over a million people each year visit the National Archives in Washington, D.C. to view the Declaration of Independence. On the 250th anniversary of its signing, what relevance does this document have to you personally and to the future of democracy in America?
Keeping the Declaration Alive: A 2026 Bill of Particulars (1st place tie)
Bio: Sophia Pappalardo is a graduating senior at Lehigh University double-majoring in Political Science and International Relations with a minor in Religion Studies. She currently serves as President of the United Nations Association at Lehigh and has previously led local campaigns focused on civic engagement and Arctic protection. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in advocacy, politics, and policy.
Still Living in the Master’s House 250 Years Later (1st place tie)
Bio: Tasfia Ahmad is a junior majoring in Political Science and Cognitive Science. During her time at Lehigh, she serves as the Facilities and Services Chair of Student Senate 38, Vice President of Women of Color Alliance, Student Representative for University Conduct of Discipline, United Nations Youth Representative of Nadam Foundation, and Center of Cultural Engagement Lead Ambassador. She is also a research assistant for the Cognitive Science Department under Professor Marsh, along with being an Impact Fellow on a project under Professor Deo. Beyond Lehigh, Tasfia volunteers in the Bethlehem area regarding immigration, and hopes to continue that work as a public interest lawyer.
Must our Independence be Re-Declared? Interpreting Democracy and Rights in the United States in 2026 (1st place tie)
Bio: Daniella is a sophomore from Rochester, New York, pursuing a double major in Political Science and History with a minor in Music. She is an Eckardt Scholar, Treasurer of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, VP of Programming for the Pre-Law Society, and will be a student researcher in Uganda, Africa this summer. Beyond Lehigh, Daniella hopes to attend law school to become a Civil Rights Attorney.
The Unfinished Promise: The Declaration of Independence at 250 (2nd place tie)
Bio: My name is Sophia Taskov and I am a graduating senior from Lehigh University, staying for a 4+1 for a Master's in Management. I am an American who grew up in Bulgaria and have a profound interest in international business and law. I have deeply integrated myself in the South Bethlehem community through volunteering in Victory House, working at Broughal Middle School, being director of community service for more than two organizations, and being a peer tutor for students at Lehigh University. I am excited to see what comes next after I complete my master's and am thankful for the opportunities given by Lehigh!
From Subjects to Citizens: Enlightenment Ideals in the Declaration of Independence (2nd place tie)
Bio: Demi Moore is a junior double majoring in Political Science and Global Studies. She was nominated and accepted to the Eckardt Scholar program in her sophomore year, has served as a Gryphon for two consecutive years, and acts as a UN Youth Representative for the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention. Beyond Lehigh, Demi wants to deepen her study of emancipatory politics so she can ground ideology in lived experience as a community leader and educator.
Not Merely Dried Ink: The Declaration of Independence, Public Defense, and America’s Flawed Court System (3rd place tie)
Bio: Michael is a sophomore at Lehigh University studying Economics and Political Science, with a minor in English. Originally from Bergen County, New Jersey, he is an Eckardt Scholar, Vice President of Lehigh’s Pre-Law Fraternity, a TRAC Fellow, and a member of UCOD. He is also conducting independent research on corporate involvement in Bethlehem's housing this summer. Outside of Lehigh, Michael serves as an intern with the Lehigh County Public Defender’s Office and previously worked as an economic research extern with ACGEM in Accra, Ghana. After graduation, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in economic regulation.
The Declaration of Independence at 250: Between Promise, Power, and Contradiction (3rd place tie)
Bio: I'm a junior majoring in Political Science and International Relations, minoring in Global Studies. At Lehigh, I'm a Student Senator, on the Debate Team, LU/UN Partnership office intern, Student Political Action Coalition (SPAC) organizer, and Gryphon.
The Unfinished Promise: Democracy Beyond the Glass (Honorable mention)
Bio: Ellie is a rising junior at Lehigh University studying journalism and political science with minor studies in marketing and philosophy, law, and public policy. She has passions for community storytelling and ethical reporting. She is involved in The Brown and White, Lehigh's student-ran newspaper, and Lehigh's chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
Fact or Fiction: Is the Declaration of Independence Truly Followed Today? (Honorable mention)
Bio: Allison Caruthers is a sophomore from Long Island, New York, pursuing a major in Political Science, with minors in Mass Communication and Real Estate. She serves as a Lehigh Valley Social Impact Fellow through Lehigh’s Creative Inquiry program, is the Secretary of the Pre-Law Society, and also a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. After graduating, Allie plans to attend law school, aspiring to become a real estate attorney.
The Lies of the Declaration (Honorable mention)
Bio: My name is Rory Butler, and I'm a History/Poli Sci Major and 4+1 Master's in Secondary Ed. student here at Lehigh. In my free time, I love playing strategy games with my friends, thrifting and listening to vinyl records, and drumming in my band back home. I'm honored to have been chosen for an Honorable Mention for the Polsky Award this year!
By this endowment, Howard Polsky wishes to encourage Lehigh students to gain a deeper appreciation of American democracy and law, and to become the nation's future leaders and custodians in preserving those values as citizens and in their professions.
