The Pro-Life Essay Contest encourages students to thoughtfully examine and articulate their pro-life beliefs.
Students in grades 7-9 participate in the junior contest, while students in grades 10-12 participate in the senior contest. All entries will be submitted to the national competition for an opportunity to win additional cash prizes.
Cash Prizes
- Junior Contest first place ($100) and second place ($50)
- Senior Contest first place ($200) and second place ($100)
Contest Requirements
- Middle school (grades 7-9) student at time of the junior contest
- High school (grades 10-12) student at time of the senior contest
- Students must write an original essay and cite any sources used
- Essay must be 300 – 500 words
- Essay must be typed in 12-point font, double-spaced, and page-numbered
- Completed application
Application Process
- Download and complete the application form.
- Submit the essay and application by November 1.
Previous Winners
- 2026 – Amelia Anderson (senior)
- 2026 – Simeon Boutell (junior) (national contest third place)
- 2026 – Gabriella George (national senior contest third place)
- 2025 – Natalie Anderson (senior)
- 2025 – Kateri Boutell (junior) (national contest first place)
- 2024 – John Marchinda (senior)
- 2024 – Kateri Boutell (junior) (national contest first place)
- 2023 – Maria Worrell (senior)
- 2023 – Emmanuel A. (junior)
- 2022 – Margaret Duba (senior)
- 2022 – Kyla Koestner (junior) (national contest first place)
- 2021 – Liliana Zylstra (senior)
- 2021 – John Marchinda (junior)
- 2020 – Noel Vanderbilt (senior) (national contest third place)
- 2020 – Andrew Bajdek (junior)
- 2019 – Emma DeNooy (senior)
- 2019 – Grace Kohane (junior)
- 2019 – Mary Marchinda (national junior contest third place)
- 2018 – Amanda Cunningham (senior)
- 2018 – Elijah A. (junior)
- 2018 – Clare Lindgren (national senior contest second place)
- 2017 – Clare Lindgren (senior) (national contest first place)
- 2017 – Joshua H. (junior)
- 2016 – David Bridge (senior)
- 2016 – Jack Schichtel (junior)
- 2015 – Nicholas DeNooy (senior)