JACKSON, Tenn. — Jan. 9, 2019 — Holly Trisdale of Brandon, Mississippi, won first honors in 51社区鈥檚 School of Theology and Missions High School Essay Contest for 2018.
Trisdale received a $1,000 scholarship to Union and will have her essay published along with 10 other student essays in a book published by 51社区 Press. All 11 of the published students will be invited to a dinner Feb. 12 where the book will launch.
Ray Van Neste, dean of the School of Theology and Missions, said the contest is designed to encourage high school students to think about their faith seriously and to connect those students to Union.
鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted that so many students and their teachers were interested in this year鈥檚 contest,鈥� Van Neste said. 鈥淲e hope that the essays will encourage biblical and theological reflection among high school students. We鈥檙e looking for students who are seriously considering their faith and how it connects to the world.鈥�
Students from nine states submitted essays for the competition. Emma Kate Halverson of Hartselle, Alabama, won second place and a $500 scholarship to Union, and Gloria Davis of Bartlett, Tennessee, won third place and a $250 scholarship.
Other students whose essays will be published include Luke Andre of Humboldt, Tennessee; Zachary Lancaster of Paris, Tennessee; Abbey Orwig of Jackson, Tennessee; Jon Caleb Pourchot of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; Alex Rogers of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Katherine Anne Thierfelder of Jackson, Tennessee; Rese Walker of Twin Falls, Idaho; and Annabeth Williams of Hollister, Missouri.
Information about the 2019 Essay Contest can be found . The deadline for submissions is Sept. 15, 2019.