High school essay contest

The annual Washington Office essay contest highlights the perspectives of youth on significant public policy issues and promotes the involvement of young people in faithful witness to government authorities.

Guidelines and topics for 2012-2013

Topics for this year’s contest are:

• Colombia
• gun violence
• human trafficking
• immigration

The contest is open to Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and other Anabaptist youth of high school age and to all youth who attend Mennonite high schools, within the United States and Puerto Rico. Entries are judged on the participant’s understanding of the issues, clarity of argument and degree of creativity in crafting thoughtful policy positions. Grand prize is $300, and three honorable mention winners will each be awarded $100. The deadline for submissions is January 25, 2013.

Read the article announcing the winners of the 2011-2012 contest.

Read the grand prize essay from 2011-2012.