Write an essay ~ submit by November 16 ~ you can win a prize!
Essay Topic for Grades 6-8: “The Value of a Single Human Life”
Think of a person in your life you have come to appreciate and then write an essay about why you are glad this person was born. Please include your thoughts on why every human life has value.
Essay Topic for Grades 9-12: A person in America, past or present, who has stood up for the unalienable Right to Life
America’s founding principle as stated in the Declaration of Independence: human beings possess inherent value, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights. Choose a person in America, past or present, who has stood up for the unalienable Right to Life, respecting human dignity as declared in our founding document. Write an essay about his or her courage and contributions.
Last year and the year before, our essay contest was a big success, with essays submitted by almost 200 students each year from throughout the state of Vermont. We hope even more students will write an essay this year.
There will be three “First Place” prizes of $500 – one for each grade level group. In addition, there will be five “Runners Up” prizes of $100 awarded in each grade level: grades 6-8, grades 9-10, and grades 11-12.
To be eligible, the student must be in grades 6-12 for the 2026-2027 school year and live in Vermont. Those who participated last year who are still eligible, including winners, can enter again this year. Submission guidelines must be followed.
