2024-2025
FINALISTS
Luke Zachariasiewicz, John Champe High School Class of 2025
For his essay on the butter slime and $10 profits; for his essay on rejecting the ideology of gendered interests
Avi Chopra, Auburn High School Class of 2025
For his essay on destigmatizing mental illness, being an agent of change, and mastering the subtlety of metaphor
Jenna Hong, Lightridge High School Class of 2025
For her essay on embracing cultural identity and upholding a commitment to ethical, responsible journalism
Reese Hathaway, Lightridge High School Class of 2025
For her essay on self-embracement and Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar; for her flawless grammar and remarkable vocabulary
Jenna Hathaway, Independence High School Class of 2025
For her essay on robotics and stepping out of the simulation
Taylor Hansen, Briar Woods High School Class of 2025
For her essay on maintaining Positive Vibes Only
Anisten Shehadi, Independence High School Class of 2025
For her essay on Chobsky; for her essay on exploring diversity through literature; for her humor, special perspective, and ability to edit her own work
Sabina Borjes, Independence High School Class of 2025
For her essay on art, roses, and experiencing the world; for the freakin’ teapot
Analucia Gutierrez, Westfield High School Class of 2025
For her essay on heritage, overcoming perfectionism, and inspiring young girls; for her strength, kindness, commitment, and admirable stoicism
Ben Henderson, Freedom High School Class of 2025
For his essay on tying knots and bridging disparate interests
2024 and earlier
Sienna Simone, Freedom High School Class of 2024, James Madison University Class of 2028 (2024 Awardee)
For her essay on the power of religious exploration, impartial inclusivity, and repairing our world; for her essay on social anxiety and The Lord of the Flies
Carrie Tulk, Freedom High School Class of 2024, Virginia Tech Class of 2028
For her essay on Wall Drawing #118 and recovering from grief
Pranav Bansal, Lightridge High School Class of 2024, Purdue University Class of 2028
For his essay on art, perspective, and assistive technology
Aashna Patel, Freedom High School Class of 2024, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Class of 2028
For her essay on embracing insecurity and the wisdom of fourteen-year-olds
Emily Bluyus, John Champe High School Class of 2024, James Madison University Class of 2028
For her essay on mastering carpentry to build a library for her church’s preschool
Abby Rupp, Briar Woods High School Class of 2024, Virginia Tech Class of 2028
For her essay on self-discovery and the beauty of choice
Ella Kim, Freedom High School Class of 2024, James Madison University Class of 2028
For her essay on the impact of teaching and the whimsy of Bob Ross
Raihana Karim, Freedom High School Class of 2024, George Mason University Class of 2028
For her essay on unity, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and embracing one’s culture
Ellie Garber, St. Paul VI Catholic High School Class of 2024, University of Colorado Boulder Class of 2028
For her essay on the empowerment of women and the importance of positivity
Henry Clark, Freedom High School Class of 2024, Virginia Tech Class of 2028
For his essay on finding the vocabulary to speak out against racism; for his essay on pursuing a pharmaceutical career to find effective treatments for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
Sujay Kodam, John Champe High School Class of 2023, Purdue University Class of 2027
For his essay on the spirit of entrepreneurship and learning from loss
Elizabeth Doane, Langley High School Class of 2022, Clemson University Class of 2026
For her essay on the prioritization of education
Sloan Grant, Independence High School Class of 2021, Virginia Tech Class of 2025
For her essay on gratitude and commitment to the metaphor
Katie Lee, Freedom High School Class of 2021, Louisiana State University Class of 2025
For her essay on allyship, activism, and civic responsibility in response to peaceful Black Lives Matter protests