The League of Women Voters-Jefferson County is hosting an essay content for students ages 14 to 18.

The essay topic is “What would your community be like without news?”

According to the league, the essay contest is an opportunity to understand the role of news and what it means to be an informed citizen, and is part of the organization’s ongoing effort to encourage informed and active participation in government

Cash prizes of $150, $100, and $75 will be awarded to the top three essays. 

Essays must be emailed to lwvjeffcowa@gmail.com by midnight April 21. 

The essays will be judged using a blind panel method, to guarantee that the judges will not know the name or affiliation students. Each judge will individually score the essays on content and style, then a proctor will combine the scores to determine the winners. Winners will be announced May 1.

Criteria for the essay competition:

Essays must be the original, unpublished work of one student;

Essays must be a maximum 500 words;

Essays must be typed in 12-point font, double-spaced with 1-inch margins;

All essays must have a title; and

Any sources used must be cited. 

A cover page must be included with the following information: title of essay, student name, age, student or parent email address or best phone number. Optional information includes the name of the school or homeschool group the student attends.

For more information on the essay contest, email toyoko.lwvwa@gmail.com or gwendemombynes@gmail.com.

The submission criteria and details can also be found on the League of Women Voters-Jefferson County website at lwvwa.org/Jefferson, and flyers can be found in local schools, libraries, community centers, and youth centers.