Statement by the 2021 Essay Contest panel of judges

We would like to state our genuine appreciation for the 34 essays submitted by students from across the Commonwealth, from Paducah to Ft. Thomas.

We sincerely praise EACH student for their essay. THANK YOU, students, for taking your time and expressing Why I Am Pro-life in heartfelt, well-considered, original ways.

We tried something different this year. In the past the essays were requested to be between 500-1000 words, and this year we cut back to 300-500 words to align with the National Right to Life essay contest. “Less is More” may be true in a time when the assaults on the dignity of human life seem to increase on a daily basis. We held to this rule, permitting only several words over the limit, though some essays that went beyond that were truly excellent.

The winner of the Freshman division is Anna Sewell, a student at Highlands Latin School, Louisville, Ky. The Sophomore winner, also a student at Highlands Latin, is Marissa Mudd. Gabby Browning, from Notre Dame Academy in Ft. Thomas, Ky., won in the Junior division. Their names are linked to their essays.

You can read the winning essay of the National Right to Life contest here.

February 16 is an important day for STUDENTS in Kentucky. It’s time to write a pro-life essay for an opportunity to win $200!

STUDENTS HAVE TWO FULL WEEKS before it is DUE — on Monday, March 1st. !

Attention Freshmen: You will compete for a single prize of $200. Attention Sophomores! Ditto. And Juniors, ditto, $200 for one winner. No 2nd or 3rd places as in years past. Attention Seniors, watch for news about a Scholarship Contest. Our new executive director is crafting the rules.

Have fun! There is only one topic: Why I Am Pro-life. You only need to write 300-500 words. It can serve as an ‘elevator’ speech. You never know when you will be on an elevator with a person who asks: Why are you pro-life?

The new format is a challenge to: Write less and say more. This will be a great exercise to hone your most important reasons why YOU ARE PRO-LIFE.

ON TOP OF WINNING $200, winners will attend the Celebration of Life (CV19-safe) Banquet FOR FREE! And, winners can bring one parent or guest for FREE; and we hope each parent or all your friends would consider coming. It’s $25 for students, and $50 for adults. The annual banquet is March 18.

We can’t wait to read your essay! See this page for rules and other information.