Spring Essay Contests

In the Spring of 2009 Metro DC PFLAG conducted two essay contests.

The "Dream Big" Scholarship Contest was open to high school seniors planning to attend college and who had demonstrated integrity, determination, appreciation for diversity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. The essays addressed this topic: What has your personal experience in overcoming adversity taught you about yourself and the world? How will you use your experiences to make society a better place while pursuing your personal and professional dreams? The contest, supported by Ken Seifert, had a $1000 first prize.

The winners of the Dream Big contest were:

Alice Pfeifer who placed first with her essay "Independent, Compassionate, Intellectual and Gay"

Also recognized for their writing were

Katie Casey for her essay "Stories that Need to Be Told"

Laurel Keller for her essay "Accepted"

The "Significant Others" essay contest was open to all members of the Metro DC PFLAG community.The essays recognized a signifiicant individiual in the writer's life who deserved recognition and appreciation. The top two essays received Barnes & Noble gift cards and were recognized at the annual membership brunch, June 28, 2009.

The winners and honorable mentions in the "Significant Others" contest were:

Mitchell Crispell for "Two Special People"

Deborah Gates for "My Hero"

and

Louisa Jagger for "Why I Am Thankful for Alex"

Joan Singer for "The Write Stuff"

Congratulations to all our contest winners and thanks to all who submitted essays.