The Gift: How Could $1 Million Dollars Help Westchester Neighbors in Need?
Lifting Up Westchester, a community-based nonprofit agency that provides life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet their other basic needs, announces its eighth annual student essay contest. Open to all seventh through twelfth grade students attending school in Westchester County, this year’s contest is entitled The Gift because it asks students for their perspective on how to best use a substantial, unexpected donation of one million dollars.
Essays are due February 7, 2025, by 5PM. Winners will be announced by mid-March 2025. Nine prizes will be awarded including first, second, and third place prizes in each of the three grade categories (7th & 8th, 9th & 10th, 11th & 12th)
- 1st prize – $500
- 2nd prize – $250
- 3rd prize – $100
“On any given night, there are 1,600 individuals experiencing homelessness in Westchester County and even more who are ‘couch surfing’ or living in overcrowded apartments just to have a roof over their heads,” said Anahaita Kotval, CEO of Lifting Up Westchester. “Over the eight years we have been running this contest, we have been impressed by the compassion and creativity students have demonstrated when writing about addressing homelessness in Westchester. We look forward to hearing their perspectives on how to invest in a more secure future for the individuals and families we serve.”
LUW’s programs are designed to help anyone facing homelessness, hunger, or extreme poverty, including Emergency Shelter, Housing Services, Food and Personal Development, Employment and Youth Programs.
The essay contest was established in 2017 in memory of Beth Massey Rubens, a lifelong teacher, tutor, and mentor who had a love for language arts. Last year’s contest included work by students from over 40 schools throughout the county. Since its inception, more than 1,500 students have participated, representing a cross section of public, private, and parochial schools across Westchester.
The contest kicked off on November 12, 2024, and students can enter until February 7, 2025, at 5 PM. Students should enter the contest through the dedicated portal and upload their essays. Winners will be announced in early March 2025 and an awards ceremony will take place April 14, 2025. Students, teachers, and parents can learn more about how the contest works and review the judging process and criteria by visiting Lifting Up Westchester’s website.
