HSLDA Contests: ART | ESSAY | PHOTO | POETRY

HSLDA Essay Contest

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2003 Essay Contest Finalists

Second HSLDA Essay Contest Better Than Ever

In its second year, the Home School Legal Defense Association Essay Contest drew applicants from around the country, and several entries from overseas missionary families. Almost 450 students sent in essays this year, 180 more than last year. Narrowing the entries down to the top six in each category took over a month of careful scrutiny.

"I was very happy to see such an enthusiastic response this year," said HSLDA President Mike Smith. "The essays we received showed a lot of creativity, whether discussing how to spend $50,000 or where to go for two weeks."

This year, instead of simply awarding prizes to the top three entrants in each category, we offered six prizes, ranging from $400 to $25. The six winners in each age group are listed below.

In Category I, students from 12 to 15 wrote on the topic, "If you were given $50,000 today what would you do with it?" First place in this category goes to Grace Lichlyter for her essay on her pen pal in Sri Lanka, Sandarwani Gunasekara. In second place is Colin Nandeena Azariah-Kribbs, who would donate her money to the Iraqi man instrumental in saving Private Jessica Lynch.

For Category II, students from 16 and 18 had to discuss, "If you could go one place in the world for two weeks, where would it be and why?" The first place prize goes to Claire Novak, who wants to visit Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, a facility where many U.S. military personnel are treated prior to returning home. Second place was awarded to Abigail Celis, a student who wants to travel the world.

The proceeds from the contest will be given to the Home School Foundation Special Needs Fund.

Read the winning essays below:

Category 1

1. Grace Ann Lichlyter
   

2. Colin Nandeena Azariah-Kribbs
   

3. Christine Marie Bron
   

4. Hannah Joy Moughon
   

5. Amber Rose Grayford
   

6. Josie Mikal Brasher
   

Supported by the

Home School Foundation www.homeschoolfoundation.org