Scholarship winner
Lechuan recalls an experience that caused her to overcome language and cultural barriers to find common ground with strangers.
Lechaun M.
Ballwin, MO
2018 Student Essay Contest
Celebrating Student Voices
Facing History and Ourselves teaches us to think about the world in new ways, igniting conversations about how we can build societies free from racism, antisemitism, bullying, and hatred of all kinds.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Essay Contest!
The 2018 contest invited students to reflect on the stories and ideals that have helped shape the ways they think about their roles and responsibilities as engaged members of their communities.
Read the Winning Essays Below
3
scholarship winners
7
award winners
15
finalists
2018 Upstander Scholarship Winners
The three winners each won $5,000 to be used as a contribution towards tuition fees. In addition, the winners’ teachers each received a cash award of $500 to be used for a classroom project of the teacher’s choosing. The prizes are generously funded and paid by Holland & Knight LLP.
Scholarship winner
On a visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Maud, the granddaughter of a survivor, learns more about an upstander with whom she has a personal connection.
Maud T
Chicago, IL
Scholarship winner
Ashley’s experience at the LGBTQ+ Center transformed her perception of herself as a leader and an agent of change.
Ashley G
New York, NY
2018 Upstander Award Winners
These seven students each won $1000. In addition, their teachers each received a cash award of $250 to be used for a classroom project of the teacher’s choosing. The prizes are generously funded and paid by Holland & Knight LLP.
Award Winner
Emma and her classmates learn how to better empathize and listen to each other following the untimely passing of a fellow student.
Emma S.
Redwood City, CA
Award Winner
Following the discovery of anti-Muslim graffiti at her school, Eman is looked to as a leader to help foster a student dialogue about overcoming bias and stereotypes.
Eman K.
Alameda, CA
Award Winner
Divyesh describes how upstanding Hindu monks bridged religious differences and reached out to a community in need following a devastating hurricane in Hawai'i.
Divyesh N.
Victoria, BC
Award Winner
Galvanized by the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March, Campbell’s experience at the March For Our Lives protest proves young people can effect change.
Campbell M.
Waukesha, WI
Award Winner
Shreya draws inspiration from Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson who experienced racism and sexism while working as mathematicians at NASA's Langley Laboratory in the early 1960s.
Shreya G.
San Jose, CA
Award Winner
Kyle explains why representation and speaking out matter, highlighting Olympians Adam Rippon and Gus Kenworthy as role models.
Kyle G.
Chicago, IL
Award Winner
Living Dr. King’s words, Nida marches toward a secure and livable world with the "disciplined nonconformists dedicated to justice and peace."
Nida F.
Manlius, NY
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