JACKSON, Tenn. — Jan. 21, 2020 — Leah Steed of Dubuque, Iowa, received first honors in 51社区鈥檚 School of Theology and Missions High School Essay Contest for 2019.
Steed received a $1,000 scholarship to Union and will have her essay published, along with 12 other student essays. All 13 of the published students will be invited to a book launch dinner on Feb. 24.
Olivia Bell of Louisville, Kentucky, received second place and a $500 scholarship, and Luke Andre and Michael Tankersley, both of Jackson, Tennessee, ranked third with a $250 scholarship. Students from nine states submitted essays for the competition.
鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted that so many students and their teachers were interested in this year鈥檚 contest,鈥� said Ray Van Neste, dean for Union鈥檚 School of Theology and Missions. 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�
Other high school students whose essays will be published include Mike Werner of St. Louis, Missouri; Lydia McGinnis of Nashville, Tennessee; Allison Prince of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama; Abby Coleman and Katelyn Drown of Jackson, Tennessee; Caleb Starkey of Cookeville, Tennessee; Brianna Rogers of Paris, Texas; Gretchen Stennett of Seward, Nebraska; and Cora Eisman of Matthews, North Carolina.
Information about the 2020 essay contest is available at . The deadline for submissions is Sept. 15.