The Humanist Essay Contest for Young Men and Women of North America is geared toward exposing students in grades 9-12 to humanism and issues of importance to humanists, while financially helping these young scholars advance in their studies. Prizes are awarded for originality of thought, sense of emotional engagement, clarity and quality of presentation, amount of research evidenced, and future potential shown by the author.

We were gratified by the interest students showed in the contest. In what these young people have shared with us, we see hope for the future. So we extend our sincere thanks to all who entered, to those who inspired the entrants, and to the contest judges.

WINNERS
$1,000 First Prize: “China’s Problem Children: Migrant Labor in the World’s Factory” by Justin Pergolini, 18
(Includes an award certificate and a three-year membership in the American Humanist Association)

2nd Prize: “Hidden Women” by Mary Robbins, 17
Includes an award certificate, a collection of humanist books, and a three-year membership in the American Humanist Association

3rd Prize: “Enslaving a Childhood: The Restavec Story” by Rebecca S. Harris, 15
Includes an award certificate and three-year membership in the American Humanist Association

Honorable Mentions: “The Future of Ethical Science” by Jennifer Lin, 17;
“The Benefits and Feasibility of a Universal Morality” by Jennifer Hamilton, 17;
and “Exposing the Truth about Meat in the Land of the Free” by Jacqueline Haggerty, 16

Includes a one-year membership in the American Humanist Association

JUDGES: Maggie Ardiente, Jennifer Bardi, Bob Bhaerman, Nancy Buxton, Karen Frantz, Ruth N. Geller, Jende Huang, Pete Jones, Michael McCamman, and Clayton Whitt

The 2010 Humanist Essay Contest begins January 1, 2010, and runs through April 2, 2010. For updates, visit the Humanist website at www.thehumanist.org, phone toll free at 800.837.3792, or write to the Humanist Essay Contest, 1777 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-7125.