The Pennsylvania Society's Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award invites Pennsylvania public school juniors to submit an original essay discussing the modern-day relevance of a Benjamin Franklin quote.
We are pleased to announce the 2025 quote:
"Like an old Man, who, having buried all he lov’d in this World, begins to think of Heaven, I begun to think of and wish for Home; and as I drew nearer, I found the Attraction stronger and stronger, my Diligence and Speed increas’d with my Impatience, I drove on violently, and made such long Stretches that a very few Days brought me to my own House, and to the Arms of my good old Wife and Children, where I remain, at present well and happy."
Franklin, Benjamin. “Letter to Catharine Ray, March 4, 1755.” The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, http://franklinpapers.org/
2025 Scholarship Award Winners
First Prize
Evon Kamel – Southern Lehigh High School, Center Valley, Northampton County
Second Prize
Elizabeth Palmer - Deer Lakes High School, Cheswick, Allegheny County
Third Prize
Jude Stulak - Downingtown East High School, Exton, Chester County