I'd love an essay contest for parents of teens as well. Like those of us who've had teens in the crisis of social anxiety + substance abuse + COVID isolation / masks (all since March 2020) have a bit of a different perspective on "the glorious teen years" and what is coming down the pike for next-up in the workforce.
As a high school teacher and mom of a 17 year old, I'm thrilled that you are doing this! It's just a matter of persuading kids to actually 'Just Do It.'
I love that you're doing this. I used to teach writing classes in high school, but I retired two years ago. If I was still teaching, I would definitely encourage my students to submit. (And I'd include a note with all entries verifying that my students actually wrote the essay. )
How much is the cash prize? As the parent of two high schoolers, one college student, and a 7th grader, I can tell you that this generation needs to be incentivized like no other…..
Need it be America-specific? Or rather can I write about a problem that faces Western society at large (perhaps the problem I have in mind is most severe in America though)
“There are several cultural issues in America today that are of utmost concern and require immediate attention. These issues pertain to race, gender, equality, and social justice. Addressing these issues requires a combination of awareness, education, and action.
One of the most pressing cultural issues in America today is racism. Despite the ongoing progress towards equal rights and opportunities, racism continues to exist and negatively impact minority communities. As a country, we must prioritize addressing systemic racism in all of its forms, ranging from implicit bias in personal interactions to the vast disparities in access to education, healthcare, and housing for marginalized communities.
To address this issue, individuals must be willing to confront their own biases and engage in difficult conversations regarding race and the detrimental impact of racism. This action will require ongoing education and training for both individuals and institutions, including the implementation of anti-racism curricula, revising hiring practices to prioritize diversity, and the creation of safe spaces for marginalized communities.
Another significant cultural issue that has only recently gained more attention is gender inequality. Women continue to face institutionalized sexism and misogyny in the workplace, politics, and society at large. Despite slow progress towards gender equality, there is still much work to be done.
To address gender inequality, we must dismantle patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate gender-based discrimination. This requires creating and enforcing policies that address the gender pay gap and promote equal opportunities in the workplace. We must also prioritize women’s voices and leadership in political, social, and economic matters.
Furthermore, we must work to address inequalities in a broader sense. Social justice issues continue to be a serious cultural issue in America today. There are vast disparities in the treatment and opportunities of minority groups. We must actively work to address these inequalities through policies and conversations that promote fairness and equity.
In conclusion, the serious cultural issues in America today require significant effort to address. Through education, increased awareness, and active engagement in difficult conversations and policies, we can make progress towards a more inclusive and equal society. By recognising our own biases and addressing them honestly, we can work towards a society that truly treats all individuals with dignity and respect, and one that recognises and addresses inequalities in all aspects of life.”
This is the most boring essay that I've read in a long time. I am a former writing instructor for a graduate school. I have a BS stamp that would be good for this.
“This is not your average, assigned essay. No five-paragraph structure and no boring academic topics. Tell our readers a story. Back it up. Stick to your principles. Dazzle us.”
Does it also work for high-schoolers from outside the Us? ( asking for my daughter)
I'd love an essay contest for parents of teens as well. Like those of us who've had teens in the crisis of social anxiety + substance abuse + COVID isolation / masks (all since March 2020) have a bit of a different perspective on "the glorious teen years" and what is coming down the pike for next-up in the workforce.
How about adding just graduated high school and about to enter college age group?
They have a lot of thoughts and opinions we can't imagine.
As a high school teacher and mom of a 17 year old, I'm thrilled that you are doing this! It's just a matter of persuading kids to actually 'Just Do It.'
oops, I was just attempting to
correct the spelling and off it went😳🤣
Granddaughter TH has already
responded telling me that she
was looking for a way to print her stories !🙏🧚🏿
Thank You for giving high schoolers an exciting opportunity to be recognised
Can we have an adult essay contest too? Asking for a friend.....
A superb effort!
I love that you're doing this. I used to teach writing classes in high school, but I retired two years ago. If I was still teaching, I would definitely encourage my students to submit. (And I'd include a note with all entries verifying that my students actually wrote the essay. )
Love the high school writing contest but if you do this again you may want to rethink the timing. They're in AP testing and end of school year mode.
How much is the cash prize? As the parent of two high schoolers, one college student, and a 7th grader, I can tell you that this generation needs to be incentivized like no other…..
Love this!!
Need it be America-specific? Or rather can I write about a problem that faces Western society at large (perhaps the problem I have in mind is most severe in America though)
Here is a ChT GBT response. Be on the lookout!!
“There are several cultural issues in America today that are of utmost concern and require immediate attention. These issues pertain to race, gender, equality, and social justice. Addressing these issues requires a combination of awareness, education, and action.
One of the most pressing cultural issues in America today is racism. Despite the ongoing progress towards equal rights and opportunities, racism continues to exist and negatively impact minority communities. As a country, we must prioritize addressing systemic racism in all of its forms, ranging from implicit bias in personal interactions to the vast disparities in access to education, healthcare, and housing for marginalized communities.
To address this issue, individuals must be willing to confront their own biases and engage in difficult conversations regarding race and the detrimental impact of racism. This action will require ongoing education and training for both individuals and institutions, including the implementation of anti-racism curricula, revising hiring practices to prioritize diversity, and the creation of safe spaces for marginalized communities.
Another significant cultural issue that has only recently gained more attention is gender inequality. Women continue to face institutionalized sexism and misogyny in the workplace, politics, and society at large. Despite slow progress towards gender equality, there is still much work to be done.
To address gender inequality, we must dismantle patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate gender-based discrimination. This requires creating and enforcing policies that address the gender pay gap and promote equal opportunities in the workplace. We must also prioritize women’s voices and leadership in political, social, and economic matters.
Furthermore, we must work to address inequalities in a broader sense. Social justice issues continue to be a serious cultural issue in America today. There are vast disparities in the treatment and opportunities of minority groups. We must actively work to address these inequalities through policies and conversations that promote fairness and equity.
In conclusion, the serious cultural issues in America today require significant effort to address. Through education, increased awareness, and active engagement in difficult conversations and policies, we can make progress towards a more inclusive and equal society. By recognising our own biases and addressing them honestly, we can work towards a society that truly treats all individuals with dignity and respect, and one that recognises and addresses inequalities in all aspects of life.”
This is the most boring essay that I've read in a long time. I am a former writing instructor for a graduate school. I have a BS stamp that would be good for this.
First prize!! Well done Larry let’s see if they/them can top this.
🥱paragraph form. Ask it to write an essay in the style of Nellie Bowles- that would be fun.
😂😂😂
Violates all Bari’s criteria! 😂
“This is not your average, assigned essay. No five-paragraph structure and no boring academic topics. Tell our readers a story. Back it up. Stick to your principles. Dazzle us.”
OMG. Some of those are Selectrics. I thought they were outlawed during the Carter Administration.
Bari's HS typing class? Or is this memorializing the last class Randi Weingarten actually taught? So confused...
Having gone to an all girls Catholic high school in the ‘70’s, I got a chuckle out of the picture and promptly sent it to my HS friends!