NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
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The National Essay Contest is a celebrated tradition that promotes critical thinking, literacy, and historical awareness. Students across the nation submit essays on topics related to Chinese American experiences, achievements, and challenges. This contest not only sharpens students' writing skills but also inspires them to reflect deeply on the significance of their heritage and role within American society.
This annual contest is open to any enrolled high school student in grades 9-12.
2025 National Essay Contest - Registration Closed
Contest Date and Time: First Saturday of March
Location: Zoom (Link will be emailed prior to the contest).
Eligibility: Any students enrolled in senior high school (grades 9-12).
Requirements: Participants of the contest are to compose an essay in English not to exceed 500 words on a subject relating to the Chinese experience in the United States. The essay prompt will be announced on the day of the contest.
Judging: An impartial board of judges will be selected to review essays and select winners of the contest. Each essay will be judged on originality, organization, mechanics, thoughtfulness, clarity of thought, and ability to address the provided essay prompt. Decisions by the judges will be final and binding.
Scholarship Awards:
First Prize $1500 and Certificate
Second Prize $1000 and Certificate
Third Prize $700 and Certificate
10 Awards of Merit $100 and Certificate
PAST WINNERS
2024 National Essay Contest Winners
Merit Award
Allison Xia (Texas)
Amanda Li (Texas)
Caroline Stohrer (New York)
Emily Sun (Georgia)
Eun Jee Teo (Texas)
Gianna Zhang (California)
Madison Zhan (New York)
Richard Guan (California)
Vicky Liao (Massachusetts)
Yutian Li (Massachusetts)
2023 National Essay Contest Winners
First Place - Megan Tian (Oregon)
Second Place - Sophie Heitfield (Washington DC)
Third Place - Charlotte Tan (Pennsylvania)
Merit Award
Christina Chang (California)
Vivian Chang (California)
Aaron Cheung (California)
Olivia Ge (New Jersey)
Justin Li (Washington)
Katie Liang (Oregon)
Hazel Saydak (Oregon)
Jenell Theobald (Oregon)
Nicole Zhang (Ohio)
Albert Zheng (California)
2022 National Essay Contest Winners
First Place - Janice Wong (Los Angeles/Greater San Gabriel Valley)
Second Place - Taylor Nicholoff (Chicago)
Third Place - Elise Davies (Oakland)
Merit Award
Alissa Chen (Boston)
Hae-gyung Tessa Han (Seattle)
Vennela Jonnala (Oakland)
Vivan Ko (Los Angeles/Greater San Gabriel Valley)
Kimberly Sandoval (Greater New York)
Diane Sun (Seattle)
Wanrong Wu (Oakland)
Calvin Yang (Oakland)
Veronica Yang (Phoenix)
Sophia Zhang (Seattle)
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