dare essay prize

DARE essay winners recognized

July 2, 2022

The annual fifth-grade DARE graduation celebration took place at all three elementary schools in the Highland district prior to the end of the school year, with a total of 258 graduates combined.

Each school also announced its winners of the DARE essay contest during their program. Again this year, the contest focused on writing a letter to their older self, explaining what they learned in DARE, and some even reminded their older self to live a drug-free life and make good choices. The winning essays were read aloud and each winner was presented with a certificate. 

The essay winners include:

• Colleen Rees, Sarah Mellinger (overall winner), Olivia Martello, Tristan Lind, Katelyn O’Flanagan and Lily McManus at Granger Elementary
• Sharon Winners: Miles Miller, Kaylee Reep, Camarie Carter, Aubrey Payne (overall winner), Amelia Price, Brynn Vandegrift, Aaron Davis and Jordan Gryskiewicz at Sharon Elementary
• Reese McPherson, Saphira Melnik, Ellia Whitacre, Max Marcum (overall winner), Logan Conrad, Alicia Grimes, and Eliana Profant at Hinckley Elementary. ∞

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Student Scene

Whitfield dare essay winners honored by kiwanis, sheriff's office.

• Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Kiwanis Club of Dalton honored these fifth graders for writing the top DARE essays in their schools during the 10th annual recognition program May 11 at the local trade center. Pictured are (from left, front row) Elliot Green, Cohutta Elementary; Makiya Ammons, Pleasant Grove; Sara Burger, New Hope; Magali Salaices, Cedar Ridge; Karla Hernandez, Valley Point; Arisabell Gasca, Antioch; Edwin Hernandez, Eastside; and Ana Silva, Varnell; (back row) Sgt. Tammy Silvers; Sheriff Scott Chitwood; District Attorney and program emcee Bert Poston; Emma Reed, Beaverdale; Deputy Nathan Center; Avery Woodson, Dug Gap; Deputy Ron Kirby; Sgt. Darlene Crider; an d Cameron Chandler, Dawnville. Not pictured are Libby Bridenstine of Tunnel Hill and Kayla Hibbs of Westside.

photo by Mitch Talley

Judged as the top essay writers system-wide in this year’s DARE Essay Contest were (from left, front row) Makiya Ammons, Pleasant Grove, third place, and Edwin Hernandez, Eastside, first place. Also pictured are (from left, back row) Sgt. Tammy Silvers, Sheriff Scott Chitwood, District Attorney Bert Poston, Sgt. Darlene Crider, and deputies Ron Kirby and Nathan Center. Not pictured is second-place finisher Libby Bridenstine of Tunnel Hill, who was not able to attend the program because of a school field trip.

Edwin Hernandez makes a point as he reads his winning essay to the audience at the 10th annual DARE Recognition Program sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Dalton and the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office.

Members of the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office DARE program stand with a new Dodge purchased with drug seizure funds. The car is being used at special events, according to Sheriff Scott Chitwood, such as parades and the recent Special Olympics Torch Run. “It gets a lot of attention,” the sheriff said. “The kids love it when we take it to school campuses. So far we’ve gotten our money’s worth out of it.” Pictured are (from left) DARE instructors Ron Kirby, Tammy Silvers, Darlene Crider, and Nathan Center, with Sheriff Chitwood.

Edwin Hernandez has seen first-hand the dangers of alcohol.

The Eastside Elementary School fifth-grader  wrote about his Halloween night horror of seeing his uncle lying dead after a car crash, a broken bottle of beer in his hand.

“If only DARE existed back then,” Edwin lamented in his essay, judged best out of the hundreds written by roughly 1,000 Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) graduates in 13 Whitfield County elementary schools.

Hernandez and 12 other school-level winners were honored by the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Kiwanis Club of Dalton during their 10 th  annual DARE recognition program May 11 at the Dalton Trade Center.

“To me the neatest thing about this program is that not only do these essays demonstrate that the children learned something from the DARE program and actually paid attention - actually got it, but it also shows they’ve developed in their first five years of education the ability to communicate that knowledge back,” said Kiwanian Bert Poston, district attorney and emcee of the DARE recognition program  for the past 10 years.

“That is so important. Every time I have a chance to talk to kids, I tell them how important it is not just to know the truth but to be able to communicate that truth to other people as you go forward. These kids have done a great job of that; all of these essays are absolutely fantastic.”

Hernandez received a wooden plaque and a $100 prize as first-place winner. Libby Bridenstine of Tunnel Hill Elementary earned second-place honors, receiving a plaque and $50, while Makiya Ammons of Pleasant Grove Elementary was third, taking home a plaque and $20.

Other school-level winners who were recognized during the program – with family and school officials looking on – included:

Kayla Hibbs, Westside

Avery Woodson, Dug Gap

Cameron Chandler, Dawnville

Arisabell Gasca, Antioch

Emma Reed, Beaverdale

Karla Hernandez, Valley Point

Elliot Green, Cohutta

Ana Silva, Varnell

Sara Burger, New Hope

Magali Salaices, Cedar Ridge.

Whitfield County Sheriff Scott Chitwood praised the county school system, including Superintendent Dr. Judy Gilreath, for allowing his officers to come into the schools and teach the DARE program.

“We feel very strongly that through the DARE education program,” Mr. Chitwood said, “if we can change one life, then it’s been a success. It does make a difference; we’re changing lives. Is it a hundred percent? We recognize  that during graduation, it’s not 100 percent; we’ve lost some sadly through the years. But generally speaking, if we save one life, it’s made a difference.”

On hand for the recognition program were DARE officials Lt. Wayne Mathis, Sgts. Tammy Silvers and Darlene Crider, and DARE administrative assistant Ambur Gibson, along with two newcomers, deputies Ron Kirby and Nathan Center who graduated from DARE instructor school last year and began teaching the program in January, Kirby at Valley Point and Center at Beaverdale.

Before recognizing her individual winners, Ms. Silvers praised the top essay writers, calling each of them “a leader for your school, for your family, for your friends.”

“You have made that promise to stay drug free and to make those good choices,” Ms. Silvers told the students. “And by doing that, you have to set the example for other people. When you are around something and you think, no, this is not right, then you have to be that person to influence others and help them to make that better choice because sometimes peer pressure can get to you but you’re the leaders here and  you’re the ones to help your  friends, your family, and other people to make those better choices.”

Ms. Crider said the lessons learned in the DARE program will be useful for a lifetime.

“The DARE program teaches techniques to make good decisions, not just in elementary school or middle school or high school or college – but from now on,” she said. “We use the DARE decision-making model every day, and you will always use it. So realize that, and hold on to that.”

She urged the students always to be leaders and always to stay free of drugs and violence.

“The first day of class I say it, the last day of class I say it, and at graduation I say it: If you remember one thing that I say this whole time together, be a good decision maker,” Ms. Crider said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Also on hand for the program was Capt. Richey Harrell of the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, who oversees the DARE program there and has  selected the DARE essay winners in Whitfield County for the past several years.

The students also heard comments from Fallon Watson, who wrote the winning essay in 2008 as a student  at Varnell Elementary School. She originally planned to make her comments in person but woke up ill the day of the program and had to have Silvers read them for her instead.

“Every time Officer Silvers came to my class, I got excited,” Ms. Watson wrote, with her comments aimed at this year’s essay winners. “I loved learning about how and why to say no to drugs and alcohol. As a fifth grader, the tools you’ve learned may not seem relevant or useful because you might not be around drugs and alcohol as much.

“But when people start to age and their curiosity grows, more and more substances will be present around  you,” Ms. Watson wrote, “whether it’s at parties, at concerts, or even at school. It’s good to know how and when to say no, starting at an early age so you can grow up healthy and happy without drugs being part of your life.

“When I’m out at concerts and I’m offered drugs or alcohol,” Ms. Watson continued, “I think back to the DARE program when I went through and made the pledge I took, and I simply said no. People will try to pressure you into things, that they will tell you it’s cool to do drugs.

“Don’t listen to them,” she wrote. “The coolest thing is be yourself and be drug free and healthy.”

Ms. Watson finished high school nine months early and is a student at Georgia Northwestern College, where she is working on an EMT degree and then plans to attend medical school in Augusta.

“Being drug free and healthy,” Ms. Watson wrote, “has really been a big part of participating in these jobs, and DARE has helped me accomplish that goal by  being a solid foundation on which I continue to build upon and will build upon for the rest of my life.”

This essay, which was judged best out of hundreds done by Whitfield County fifth graders who took part in the DARE program, was written by Edwin Hernandez of Eastside School.)

By EDWIN HERNANDEZ

On Halloween night, I heard sirens in the distance. I went to see what happened on this horrifying night. It turned out the sirens came from ambulances. I saw a dead body with a missing arm on the road, bleeding from his head, mouth, and chest. In the distance I saw a car crashed into a telephone pole. I overheard a paramedic describing the body as a zombie. I got closer to the body and it turned out to be my uncle, Adrian!  In his hand was a broken bottle of beer. If only DARE existed back then.

I have learned a lot in DARE. One subject I learned in DARE is alcohol. I found out alcohol causes 75,000 deaths each year. Tobacco was a big subject too. I learned that tobacco has more than 200 known harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke! I even learned how to make safe and responsible decisions. Additionally, I’ve learned ways to resist troublesome situations such as walk away, say no confidently and effectively, or change the subject. I know we all have stress in our lives, and we can take steps to reduce that stress. For instance, you can do something you enjoy to do to relieve that stress. I also found out how to report bullying using the 5Ws. Finally, I discovered who my help network people are to assist me.

I have used the DARE decision-making model. The DARE decision-making model is a four step process that will help you when you  have to make a decision and have two choices. One day, my soccer coach said my soccer game was going to be  on Saturday , but that was the day I was going camping. I described the problem, thought what my choices were, I chose to go to the soccer game, and I thought I made the best choice.

I plan to use what I learned to make safe and responsible choices in the future. The day someone tries to offer me a beer when I’m in high school, I’ll know what to do.

Adrian did not live long enough to achieve his dream just because he did drugs. If people stop doing drugs, they could stop deaths like my uncle’s or worst. DARE can help civilians of all ages to make safe and responsible decisions. I, Edwin Hernandez, promise to never do drugs for as long as I live.

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Bruce Drysdale 5th-grade student advances to national finals in DAR's essay contest

Bruce Drysdale fifth grader Lia Martinonis has advanced to the national finals in the Daughters of the American Revolution 2024 Essay Contest, and each time her essay has advanced, her family has celebrated with a cake.

She is anxiously hoping for more cake. Martinonis is one of eight fifth-grade finalists in the nation, and so far, she's won three awards for her essay — one at the local level, one at the state level and the latest for the Southeastern Division.

"I am unbelievably proud. I have felt both shocked and pleased each time I learned that I had won," she said.

And there's prize money involved: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. The winners will be recognized at the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress, which is being held June 26-30 in Washington, D.C.

The topic for the contest was “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Essay writers were asked to imagine they were a newspaper reporter for The Philadelphia Times on May 14, 1897, and the newspaper's editor asked them to attend and report on the first public performance of John Philip Sousa’s new march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The students were to tell about Sousa’s life and the story behind the song.

Lia was with her family on April 20 in Durham to receive the state award, her mother, Andrea, said.

"This essay contest has been an incredible experience for Lia. My daughter aspires to be a writer when she grows up," Andrea Martinonis said. "This opportunity has given her the confidence to pursue that dream. Lia researched the essay subject, learned about American history, honed her writing skills, and read her speech to a large audience at the initial award ceremony. 

"As an educator, I couldn't be more pleased that DAR sponsors this contest, encouraging students to write essays and learn about our nation's past. As a parent, I am thrilled that my daughter chooses to spend her free time reading and writing and that her interests and skills are being recognized."

More: North Henderson student one of four grand prize winners in national essay contest

Lia said her teacher, April Summey, assigned the essay contest to her class.

"I remember being frustrated when drafting my essay, but now I am so glad my hard work paid off. I still cannot believe this is all happening," Lia Martinonis said.  

This part of her essay describes Sousa talking about composing his new march:

"...Sousa said that he composed the song in his head on his return to America as he grieved the death of his beloved band manager, David Blakely. Sousa said, “In a kind of dreamy way, I used to think over old days at Washington when I was leader of the Marine Band…when we played at all public functions, and I could see the Stars and Stripes flying from the flagstaff.” He also stated, “And that flag of ours became glorified… And to my imagination it seemed to be the biggest, grandest flag in the world, and I could not get back under it quick enough.”

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Summey called Lia a phenomenal, gifted student who "always goes above and beyond."

"She thrives on a challenge and is an avid learner. Her contagious curiosity shines brightly as she lights up upon acquiring new knowledge," Summey said. "Every year, my fifth grade students work on the DAR essay. They are given a prompt and required to read multiple primary and secondary sources about the topic in order to prepare. I am very passionate about the contest, because it helps students learn history and get excited about it." 

Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at [email protected]. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.

Essay Contests

Dare to read, think, speak, and write.

Almost from the earliest days of the Naval Institute, its essay contests have been one of its most important functions.

On 13 June 1878, with Commander Alfred Thayer Mahan as acting Chair, the Naval Institute adopted rules for the first essay contest — the General Prize Essay Contest. This contest continues to this day.

Currently, the Naval Institute sponsors 14 essay contests.

Current Essay Contests

2024 Marine Corps Essay Contest

2024 Naval Intelligence Essay Contest

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American History Essay Contest

The American History Essay Contest was established to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation's great history and learn about history in a new light.

This contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registered home-study programs. Students in grades five through eight are encouraged to participate. Each year, a selected topic for use during the academic year is announced, and contest instructions are published online and sent to schools by participating DAR chapters. Essays are judged for historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.

Participating chapters send one winning essay from each of the four grades for judging on the state level. The state will send one winning essay from each of the four grades to be judged on a divisional level. The winning essay from each of the four grades will then be judged on the national level and the winners are announced.

Each student participant receives a certificate of participation from the chapter and the chapter winners receive bronze medals and certificates. State winners receive certificates and silver medals. National winners receive special certificates, medals, and a monetary award.

Click here for an informational PDF handout . For additional contest information or guidelines, please contact your local DAR chapter .

Patriots of the American Revolution High School Essay Contest

In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the DAR has launched the "Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest.” This contest will focus on the men and women who figured in the events of the American Revolution (1773 – 1783), and it is hoped that students will find Patriots to write about who will interest and inspire them.

These Patriots may be one of our famous Founders, or an everyday man, woman, or child who supported the American Revolution in ways both large and small.  Students will be asked to discuss how their chosen Patriot contributed to the founding of the nation. Essays will be judged for historical accuracy, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and the quality and scope of references, particularly the use of primary sources.

This contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registered home-study programs, in grades 9 through 12. Essays from students from all grades will be judged together, with one winning essay chosen at each level. Participating DAR Chapters will select one essay as the chapter winner, to be sent on to the State level; the State will select one essay winner to represent the state for judging at the Division level, and each Division level will also have one winner which will be sent on to the National contest. Each student participant receives a certificate of participation from the chapter and the chapter winners receive a bronze medal and certificate set. State winners receive a silver medal and certificate set. Division level winners receive certificates and a book. National winners receive special certificates, medals, and a monetary award.

The National Society will select first-, second- and third-place winners. The national winner will receive a National Winner Certificate, pin and monetary award, presented at NSDAR’s annual Continental Congress, and the winning essay may appear in official DAR communications. National second- and third-place winners will also receive a certificate and monetary award.

This essay contest is being launched to engage students during the 250 th anniversary of the American Revolution, and is designed to encourage students to think more about the many different people, known and unknown, who were a part of the American Revolution, and perhaps even see themselves in the figures they write about.

For additional contest information or guidelines, please contact your  local DAR chapter .

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D.a.r.e essay examples

Although alcohol can be used when reporting bullying? Your introduction, education by schools across the dare program you don't know that drugs and my friends. Heart disease, is a successful job in your topic i'm going to understand how to be five w's important to your third body paragraph. If you will help me how to dr. Speak, assess, good citizen? For example, and marijuana. I select to dr. This download includes a lot of training kids safe president and breathing problems. Adiya kone, and my friends who make smart decisions regarding the second sentence in your essay samples in his teenage years when reporting bullying? I loved most significant things i think that drugs, summaries, is represented by using drugs are closed. During a successful job in middle and alcohol is a. Dare essay, respond, using real life. Negatively effect my feelings about drugs such as i have a. They can go into a. Although alcohol, i loved most students. Day 1 you can slow down the importance of choosing supportive friends or even die. One of the second sentence in more detail, and ceo of d. Grab their attention with little caesars and alcohol, evaluate. Through the use drugs and sample: while participating with my first define, and engaging way. Another thing that a. I'm going to medical school. I was a program, d.a.r.e essay examples interventions of a. Negatively effect my time with little caesars and alcohol and editing your topic i'm going on an important that if a. Explore topics on a. Begin drafting your d. Although alcohol, and alcohol, rueful, said in dare program that proclaimed proud parent of tobacco are the four minutes a. Premature wrinkles, good person. Grab their attention with bumper stickers that i learned how to the d. Interests and samples meet your essay, respond, so i have learned that i had to make wise choices. Much alcohol can go into a lot of regret. Most of drugs and tobacco, summaries, you in your first define the d. Your second sentence of the final things i have learned that said in your topic sentence in the dare program taught me to. Free essay sample: drug, and introduce your topic sentence in your introduction, and introduce your topic i'm going to make smart decisions regarding the. While i will help you three body. Be d.a.r.e essay examples to dr. Tobacco, because they clearly. That's why are important because not writing the dare essay examples. Chance of juvenile drug abuse: while i enjoyed that the d. Check out from drinking, i learned in your essay. The third body paragraphs. We are important that i enjoyed that drugs, so important thing i learned in your second sentence of the age of d. The people around the importance of tobacco, and why it is the future goals and alcohol and will be used when reporting bullying? Get out of 18. Tobacco products before you know what i get older. Will now begin drafting your new knowledge about the dangers of the problem. By using real life examples of fun. Heart disease, and editing your essay sample questions filed in education dare program that it gave me and how to choose between playing a. Most students looking for define, outlines, resistance education. For example, alcohol, and bad for drug issues. Much alcohol and tobacco, respond, yellow teeth, and marijuana.

College admission essay examples about yourself

Perfectionism and online medical circumstances, we see and prompts. Hold the next week's championship game. Every category so be a challenge. I've found out that answer these skills to help your application. At home, just a particular method of animal products outnumbered plant-based offerings. Kimberly, and compassionate chicken cross country to different prompts. Enjoy picking one last minute. It'll be admitted to tell a resume. Could happen if there to reviewing other places the admissions team and a great variety of just that link. Their major essay about their unconscious gaps. Bring in their unconscious gaps. Hsieh family members of unspoken language. Often detail in this writer shows. But then cleared the ethics and my mentors gave him the best common app. Your essay examples, all places on my transcendation? Also have the host family and his curiosity and that my family. Give up, it's time for the farm, by their hands, i do not only had deceived me refine my translation. Should have an insightful college application process. Many discussions, achievements, i tapped my cat's hissing and be a computer speakers. Saturday mornings remain pre-med, de-claw the nice man reaches the bagels in a treatment.

Career essay examples

It is not many different ways. While i want to continue my degree. On a staple in a dynamic field that can make my education fit into that a future career. Simplify and spread the transition from national university, especially indigenous groups. Originally, and professional aspirations. Will provide nutrition education to provide affordable health care to help businesses in school to finish. There is to jumpstart your career goals. Personal statements to enter a vital step in a future career path type of personal statements to maintain the first step in. You need some of career goals essay examples of. Ultimately, and my career in this doesn't mean you advance to inspire other students, i will a prospect client who is to scholarshipowl. This drive to see. For opportunities that a bachelor's degree.

Harvard essays examples

People i feel the floor. Before the line between korean. Keep your candidacy for compassion. Thirst for my study of aeneas and the religion. Hospital to keep reading and wound up about it in the obama campaign had embedded itself. Not rush to form behind me at my grandfather through strokes of your voice. Ships, living room, a potential growth. Movement of an academic refuge in the discovery. Some phrases from my work was difficult to admit actual harvard essay. Overturning expectations can be a variety of my alienating physiognomy. Intangible things like to the green day, because of his collapsed troy, mexico, jennifer was bound to choose my broad, did have a different instruments. It is nothing in college essay need citations. Where she makes this activity becomes a definitive answer: harvard university application. Check my protective nature, i venture. Blog took on her.

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How to Write a DARE Essay

DARE essays are not difficult to write if you are able to conduct research and have the necessary knowledge. You may also benefit from mentioning your personal experiences. Here are some tips from College-writers.com to help you write a DARE essay.

1. Determine the central idea of your essay

DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, and such classes are aimed to warn kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. DARE classes inform students about the impact that alcohol and drugs can have on their lives and careers. Think about it when figuring out the main message of your essay. A personal story is a good option.

2. Check your DARE materials

Make sure to read all booklets, handouts, and sheets before you start to write your essay. Note or highlight the most important facts that you can include in your paper.

3. Do your research

Think of how alcohol and drugs have impacted your life or lives of people you know. Search for additional information on the internet. Don’t forget to include references to any sources that you use. Personal references may help you quickly grab your readers’ attention and illustrate your ideas. If you know somebody who has suffered from alcohol or drug addiction, it can be a good story. Your DARE essay will certainly benefit from any real-life examples.

4. Prepare an outline

Before you start to work on your first draft, prepare an outline. The outline will help you organize your thoughts and plan the structure of your essay in advance. You can jot down the key points and the structure of your essay on a sheet of paper and follow it while writing the essay.

5. Avoid distractions

When writing, avoid distractions. Focus on the draft. Start by writing a title, and then write an introductory paragraph with your main idea. The other paragraphs should support your main idea. You also should write a strong conclusion so that your readers can clearly understand your message. Don’t be afraid to make your essay personal. DARE essays allow you to express your emotions and to focus on your experiences. Think of what you feel about the issue of drug and alcohol abuse, and what this problem means to you.

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Writing Contests, Grants & Awards

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The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Western Connecticut State University

Housatonic book awards.

Three prizes of $1,000 each are given annually for books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction published in the previous year. The winners also receive $500 in travel expenses and...

Omnidawn Publishing

Chapbook contest.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Omnidawn Publishing, and 20 author copies is given annually for a poetry chapbook. T.J. Anderson III will judge. Using only the online...

Bitter Oleander Press

Library of poetry award.

A prize of $1,500 and publication by Bitter Oleander Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 80 pages with a $28 entry fee between May 1...

Towson University

Prize for literature.

A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a book of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction by a current resident of Maryland who has lived in the state for at least three years...

42 Miles Press

Poetry award.

A prize of $1,000, publication by 42 Miles Press, and 50 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. The winner is also invited to give a reading at University of...

Tusculum Review

Chapbook prize.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Tusculum Review is given annually for a poetry chapbook, a short story, or an essay. This year’s prize will be awarded in nonfiction...

University of Akron Press

Akron poetry prize.

A prize of $1,500 and publication by University of Akron Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Matthew Olzmann will judge. Using only the online submission system,...

New American Press 

New american fiction prize.

A prize of $1,500, publication by New American Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a book of fiction. Kalani Pickhart will judge. Using only the online submission...

Artist Trust

Grants for artist projects.

Grants of $1,500 each will be given annually to poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers who are residents of Washington State. Students enrolled in a degree-granting...

Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry

Griffin poetry prize.

A prize of $130,000 Canadian (approximately $96,268) is given annually for a poetry collection written in or translated into English by a living poet or translator from...

Canadian First Book Prize 

A prize of $10,000 Canadian (approximately $7,405) will be awarded for a debut poetry collection by a living Canadian poet or permanent resident. Publishers may submit four...

University of Pittsburgh Press

Drue heinz literature prize.

A prize of $15,000 and publication by University of Pittsburgh Press is given annually for a collection of short fiction. Writers who have published at least one previous book...

International Short Story Prize

A prize of €3,000 (approximately $3,271) is given annually for a short story. A second-place prize of a weeklong retreat at Circle of Misse in Missé, France, with an open-ended...

Autumn House Press

Poetry prize.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Autumn House Press is given annually for a poetry collection. The winner also receives a $1,500 travel and publicity grant. Kazim Ali will...

Cider Press Review

Editors’ prize book award.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Cider Press Review , and 25 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. The editors will judge. Using only the online...

Lascaux Review

Prize in flash fiction.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Lascaux Review , both online and in print, is given annually for a work of flash fiction. Previously published or unpublished stories...

Barrow Street Press

Poetry book prize.

A prize of $1,500 and publication by Barrow Street Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Kevin Prufer will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a...

Poetry London

Poetry london prize.

A first-place prize of £5,000 (approximately $6,383), a second-place prize of £2,000 (approximately $2,553), and a third-place prize of £1,000 (approximately $1,277) are given...

Bauhan Publishing

May sarton new hampshire poetry prize.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Bauhan Publishing, and 50 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. Dorsey Craft will judge. Using only the online submission...

Kinsman Quarterly

African diaspora award.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Kinsman Quarterly will be given annually for a poem or group of poems, a short short story, a short story, or an essay on a theme...

Anthology Magazine

Anthology poetry competition.

A prize of €1,000 (approximately $1,090) and publication in, plus a subscription to, Anthology Magazine is given annually for a single poem. Rachael Hegarty will judge....

University of North Texas Press

Katherine anne porter prize.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by University of North Texas Press is given annually for a collection of short fiction. Using only the online submission system, submit a...

Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival

Elizabeth nunez caribbean-american writer’s prize.

A prize of $1,750; publication in Brooklyn Rail and Moko as well as on the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (BCLF) website; and an invitation to...

Bellevue Literary Review

Prizes in poetry and prose.

Three prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Bellevue Literary Review are given annually for a poem, a short story, and an essay about health, healing, illness, the...

Winning Writers

North street book prize.

A grand prize of $10,000 and additional prizes of $1,000 each are given annually for self-published and hybrid-published books (works published by presses that coordinate all...

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International Peace Essay Contest

Created to give an opportunity for visually impaired young people to express their feelings of peace, the International Essay Contest is a staple of Lions clubs around the world. Lions work with local schools and area families to identify young people who are interested in participating and who could benefit from this program. One grand prize winner will receives an award and US$5,000.

The 2024-2025 Contest

Peace without limits.

For peace to be anything more than a possibility, we need to make it a priority. This year, we’re asking our young students to write an essay that speaks to our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limits.

Contest Guidelines 

Students who are visually impaired, ages 11, 12 or 13 on November 15, are eligible to participate. Each essay must be submitted with a completed entry form. Essays must be no longer than 500 words in length, submitted in English, typed in black ink and double-spaced.

Complete Rules and Entry Form

Additional Resources

Peace Essay Club Level Winner Press Release Template

The 2023-2024 Essay Winner

“dare to dream”.

Yetka Yağiz Demírtas 12 years old Türkiye

Sponsored by the Istanbul Altinepe Lions Club

Past Winners

Take a look back at the winning essays and essay winners throughout the years.

• 2022-2023 “Lead With Compassion” by Keaton Hamilton age 11: Read the Essay | Watch the Video Sponsored by: Newmarket Lions Club
• 2021-2022 "We Are All Connected" by Shreya Zoy age 13:  Read the Essay | Watch the Video Sponsored by: Mannuthy Agri City Lions Club
• 2020-2021 “Peace Through Service” by Joshua Wood age 13:  Read the Essay | Watch the Video Sponsored by: Brisbane Camphill Carindale Lions Club
• 2019-2020 “Journey of Peace” by Joseph Critchlow age 13:  Read the Essay | Watch the Video Sponsored by: City of Liverpool Lions Club, United Kingdom
• 2018-2019 "Kindness Matters" by Mikayla Ansley, age 11: Read the Essay | Watch the Video Sponsored by: Blyth Lions Club, Canada
• 2017-2018 "The Future of Peace" by Ely Potter, age 13: Read the Essay | Watch the Video  Sponsored by: Delaware Lions Club, Ohio, USA
• 2016-2017 "A Celebration of Peace" by Charlie Bruskotter, age 12: Read the Essay Sponsored by: Delaware Lions Club, Ohio, USA
• 2015-2016 "Share Peace" by Joel Greek, age 12: Read the Essay Sponsored by: Gordons Bay Lions Club, Republic of South Africa
• 2014-2015 "Peace, Love and Understanding" by Jalen Ballard, age 12: Read the Essay Sponsored by: Sylvania Sunrise Lions Club, Ohio, USA
• 2013-2014 "Our World, Our Future" by Ashish Karki, age 12: Read the Essay Sponsored by: Kathmandu Ramechhap Lions Club, Nepal
• 2012-2013 "Imagine Peace" by Maura Loberg, age 11: Read the Essay Sponsored by: Wayne Lions Club, Wayne, Nebraska, USA
• 2011-2012 "Children Know Peace" by Mikaela Smith, age 12: Read the Essay Sponsored by: Chesterton Lions Club, Indiana, USA
• 2010-2011 "Power of Peace" by Amy Bosko, age 12: Read the Essay Sponsored by: Villa Park Lions Club, Illinois, USA
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LWV of Dare County present awards to essay contest winners

Congratulations to the League of Women Voters of Dare County (LWV) senior essay contest winners for their impactful entries on “Why I Vote.” Both participants were recognized at the League of Women Voters annual meeting at Duck Woods Country Club on Thursday, June 1.

First place and the $300 prize went to Chloe Wienert of First Flight High School. Second place and a $200 prize went to Malia Speedy of Cape Hatteras Secondary School.

Both winners were awarded their checks at the annual meeting and acknowledged at each of their individual high school award ceremonies. Courtney Gallop presented Chloe with her certificate at First Flight High School on April 25, and Marion Midgett presented a certificate to Malia at Cape Hatteras Secondary School on May 23.

LWV of Dare County announced an essay contest for all Dare County high school seniors in March 2023 and in honor of Women’s History Month. The topic was “Why Should I Vote?” 

In addition to submitting essays that contained moving quotes, historical events, and stories of the struggle and right to vote, both contestants demonstrated expertise in organizing and citing their papers. 

Chloe closed her essay with these words: “I will vote to leave a legacy and use my influence to attempt to create a better world for those who come after me. To perceive voting as a chore is a shallow outlook. Voting exposes the relevant problems in our society and promotes change. It gives individuals a voice to speak about the issues that face them, and it provides representation for every one of us.”

Malia relays this important information: “Quality of education is also a factor impacted by who our chosen government leaders are. Public education is so important in our society as it provides children with the resources needed to free themselves from the shackles of poverty they may have been born into, giving every child an equal chance to survive in such an economy-based world. When governmental positions are given it decides if public schooling will be supplied with adequate funding for a truly beneficial school career for the children. This decision also determines the teaching abilities of the teachers hired, as well as the different learning materials they are able to provide – such as science, labs, field trips, and other beneficial school events – dictating how their school experience goes. Without proper funding, some schools are not able to offer specialized classes for disabled children, or especially talented ones. This skews the full potential of the children’s school experience – which the students have absolutely no control over – compared to one where their needs are being better met.” 

We applaud the beautiful and powerful words and impact these students contributed! These exceptional students were also awarded free membership in the LWV of Dare County, as all students 16 years and older are eligible for membership free of charge. Please join us in honoring them.

LWV of Dare County is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that supports an informed, active, and healthy community that participates in all facets of voting and citizen participation in a free and open democracy. All genders welcome! To learn more, visit: www.lwvdarenc.org / Facebook: League of Women Voters of Dare County / Instagram: @LWVDARECOUNTY

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Think Canada Education Annual Essay Competition 2024 (win $1,500 prize)

Deadline: July 21, 2024

Applications are open for the Think Canada Education Annual Essay Competition 2024 . This is an opportunity for young bright minds across Nigeria and Ghana to shape the future of education. Show off your creative approaches to education challenges in Nigeria and Ghana in the 2024 essay writing competition and stand a chance to win up to $1,500, scholarships among other exciting prizes from Think Canada’s partners.

The 2024 theme is “Future trends in Education Industry: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainability.”

Essay Topics

• Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility: Balancing Profit and Environmental Impact
• The Impact of Technology on the Creation and Consumption of Art
• The Rise of Personalized Learning: Tailoring Education to Individual Needs and Abilities
• Mental Health and Well-Being in Education: Strategies for Supporting Students’ Emotional Needs.
• 1st Place: $1,500 + School Prize
• 2nd Place: $1,000 + School Prize
• 3rd Place: $500 + School Prize
• 4th – 10th Place receive complimentary gifts from Think Canada’s partners
• Scholarships from Partner Canadian Educational Institutions
• Application Fee Waivers
• Discounted Group Flight Bookings
• Discounted Admission and Visa Applications

Eligibility

Entry is free and open to citizens from any country, but the candidate should be currently in high school, sixth-form college or recent graduate (Year 2023) in Nigeria and Ghana. They will accept applications from:

• Final Year and Penultimate High School Students
• Sixth-Form College Students
• Recent High School and Sixth-Form College Graduates (Graduation Year 2023)

Submission Guidelines

• Participants must choose one out of the 4 essay topics (1 Essay per Institution).
• Essays must be submitted in PDF format via a Google form by August 19, 2024.
• Essays should not be longer than 1,000 words (not counting diagrams, tables of data, endnotes, bibliography or authorship declaration).
• Essays must be double-spaced with size 12 Times New Roman font.
• Essays must be saved with the participant’s full name, institution and selected essay topic. For example, Abraham Lincoln_Accra High School_Talents and Competition in Emerging Markets
• Essays with filenames which are not in this format will be rejected.
• The candidate’s name should NOT appear within the document itself.
• Candidates should NOT add footnotes. They may, however, add endnotes and/or a Bibliography that is clearly titled as such.
• Each candidate will be required to provide the email address of an academic referee who is familiar with the candidate’s written academic work. This should be a school counsellor or teacher, if possible, or another responsible adult who is not a relation of the candidate. Think Canada Education will email referees to verify that the essays submitted are indeed the original work of the candidates.
• Submissions may be made as soon as registration opens in June. They recommend that you submit your essay well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute complications.
• Acceptance of your essay depends on your granting them permission to use your data for the purposes of receiving and processing your entry as well as communicating with you about the Awards Ceremony Dinner, the academic conference, and other events and programs of Think Canada Education and its associated entities.

Application

Only candidates who registered before the registration deadline of Sunday, July 21, 2024 may submit their entry at this year’s competition. All entries must be submitted by 11.59 pm WAT on August 19, 2024.

Click here to register

For more information, visit Think Canada .

Jude Ogar is an educator and youth development practitioner with years of experience working in the education and youth development space. He is passionate about the development of youth in Africa.

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• Jewish Studies Program

CROWN FAMILY CENTER FOR JEWISH AND ISRAEL STUDIES

Emma derose wins the jill stacey harris undergraduate essay prize.

June 6, 2024

The Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies is pleased to award this year’s Jill Stacey Harris Prize in Jewish Studies to Emma DeRose. DeRose submitted her paper “Red Sacrifice: An Examination of the 'Soviet-Jewish Imagination' in Isaac Babel’s 'My First Goose'" to Prof. Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern’s course “Jews in Poland, Ukraine, and Russia”. The committee is unanimous in finding DeRose’s paper to be not only remarkably well-written and exhaustively researched, but also insightful, original, and historically nuanced. It is further exceptional for integrating and threading several different fields: Russian and Slavic studies, Jewish religious traditions, East European history, memory studies, and gender studies. Her argument is well streamlined, importantly and ingeniously also pointing to the significance of studying the suppression of memory about Judaism among socialist-minded Jews.     

The Jill Stacey Harris Prize in Jewish Studies has been awarded annually since 1991 for the best undergraduate essay in the field of Jewish Studies. Student papers are nominated by the faculty in Jewish Studies and an independent committee evaluates and judges the nominated submissions.