North Springs High School Students Earn Top Honors in Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest

North Springs High School is proud to announce that several students have been recognized for their exceptional writing and personal reflection in the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest, presented by the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs.

The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest is a character education and ethical literacy program that invites students to reflect on their personal values. A “Law of Life” is a short, meaningful statement that expresses a core belief or guiding principle. Through the contest, students select their own Law of Life and write about how it shapes their experiences. This encourages thoughtful reflection and authentic storytelling.

Leading the group is Brielle Vieira, an 11th-grade student, who earned the distinction of School-Wide Winner for her essay, “Every Day is a Gift.” Vieira’s work advanced to the state-level competition.

Additional Grade Level Winners include: Sharon Omorodion (9th grade) and Layla Baker (10th grade).

Honorable Mention recognitions: 9th grader, Alfred (Jackson) Sloan and juniors: Sanaai Bagwell, Amirah Roberts, Marley (Arianna) Ruiz-Benitez, and Lexi Stevens.

“This was truly a schoolwide effort,” said Adam Throne, the school’s Laws of Life Contest Coordinator. “Our teachers asked students to write about their Laws of Life experiences early in the year. We were thrilled to see so many students inspired to share their personal stories. The winners told bold stories and are incredibly deserving of this recognition. “

Educators involved in the judging process emphasized the program’s impact.

“The Laws of Life Essays give us as teachers a chance to see another side of our students that we may not see every day in the classroom,” said literature teacher and judge Andrew Boehnlein. “It gives students the opportunity to express who they are and what they believe in.”

Fellow judge Lynette Elliott added, “Judging the contest at North Springs was genuinely uplifting and meaningful. I was impressed by the wide range of student voices and the thoughtfulness these young writers brought to their stories.” Grade-level winners will receive cash awards and be honored at a formal Rotary Club banquet alongside their families and teachers. Honorable mention recipients will receive merit certificates, and all school winners will be featured on the contest’s website.

Student success in this contest reflects a collaborative school community effort. The initiative was supported by Principal Scott Hanson, contest coordinator Adam Throne, ELA Chair Christopher Zand, as well as the administrative team of Dr. Osabutey-Aguedje, Christine Pekatos, and Antonia Strong. It also featureda team of dedicated literary judges, including Andrew Boehnlein, Lynette Elliott, Nicole Motahari, Lila Willis-McGhee, and Christopher Zand. Teachers of the students selected as winners include Caroline Beltrami, Mr. Throne, Ms. Willis-McGhee, and Mr. Zand.

Through programs like the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest, North Springs High School continues to emphasize student voice, character development, and powerful storytelling.