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.

Topics for this year’s contest are:

• domestic violence
• the wealth gap in the United States
• global poverty
• faith, values and voting

The contest is open to Anabaptist youth of high school age and to all youth who attend Mennonite high schools. 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 27, 2012.