LWV Greenwich Launches 2023 Student Essay Contest

GREENWICH, CT — Submissions are now open for the League of Women Voters of Greenwich's forth annual student essay contest.

The contest, which is open to students in grades 3-12 who live or go to school in Greenwich, provides an opportunity for youth to engage with issues of importance to their country and their future.

This year, the subject is voting. Participants will structure their essays around one of the following prompts:

For Grades 3-8 (300-500 words)
The minimum federal voting age in the U.S. is 18.

• Do you think it should be changed?
• If not, why not?
• If so, to what age and why?

For Grades 9-12 (600-800 words)
The American people have expanded voting rights in the U.S. Constitution several times.

• Please select a group of people (over 18 years old) who do not currently have constitutionally protected (specified or designated) voting rights.
• Argue for or against their inclusion in the electorate at the federal, state, or local level.
• Ensure that their voting status has been the subject of serious public debate or discussion.

Essays are due by Monday, April 3.

More details about the contest and how to submit your essay for grades 3 through 8 can be found here. Details about the contest and how to submit your essay for grades 9 through 12 can be found at this link..

All winners will be given two tickets to be honored at the LWV Greenwich Annual Dinner at the Riverside Yacht Club on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

A panel of LWV Greenwich members will evaluate each submitted essay. The judges will not see whose submission they are evaluating. A top essay for each category will be selected.

The first prize winner in the 9-12 grade category will receive a $500 college scholarship. Two runner-up winners in 9-12 grade will each receive a $250 college scholarship.

The 6-8 grade winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Diane's Books.

The 3-5 grade winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Athena Books.

All winning essays will be published on the LWV Greenwich website and publicized.

Additional information about contest rules, formatting, and judging can be found
here.

To contact the League with questions email youthoutreach@lwvgreenwich.org.