July 2025 Winner, Cedar High School
“February of 2022 is the month that flipped my life completely on its head. Although it began as a regular Covid infection, new symptoms arose and it became clear there was something wrong inside my body.”
Read Jonas’ essay

December 2024 Winner, Norfolk State University
“Journalism has always had a special place in my heart, and growing up in an underprivileged community has exposed me to countless untold stories.”
Read Karrington’s essay

July 2024 Winner, Stony Brook University
“'There’s only been 20,000 diagnoses of this in the United States.' When my doctor said this to my mother and me, I sat there in disbelief. It was the middle of the day and I was being poked and prodded by tools because I had lost the ability to walk out of nowhere."
Read Erika's essay

“I didn’t have the opportunity to participate in activities or go to parties like other students because I was responsible for basically being like a parent in my family. There were times when I felt resentment for my family obligations, but after reflecting on it, I would never trade my experience.”

“When I was 10 years old, I was rushed to the emergency room after having a seizure. While it turned out to not be a serious health issue, I decided that day that I wanted to work in the health field. On one of the scariest days of my life, the doctors and nurses I saw that day demonstrated the highest level of care and comfort.”

“The sight of the expanse of the Grand Canyon literally took my breath away. I imagined the millions of years that passed to create such a majestic scene, and I imagined that millions of years from now it would still be there for others to enjoy. It inspired me to want to study natural resources management.”