Lifting Up Westchester Announces Winners of Seventh Annual Student Essay Contest

Lifting Up Westchester, a nonprofit agency providing life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet other basic needs, announces the winners of its Seventh Annual Student Essay Contest. Open to all 7^th through 12^th grade students attending school in Westchester County, students were invited to learn about LUW’s programs and write a fictional story about an individual or family who benefitted from one of those programs. Called “Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes,” this year’s essay contest looked to dispel some of the myths and stereotypes associated with the men, women, and children LUW serves.

The essay contest was established in 2017 in memory of Beth Massey Rubens, a lifelong resident of Westchester and a teacher, tutor, and mentor who had a love for language arts.

“Individuals or families who experience homelessness are often associated with stereotypes and prejudices that perpetuate misconceptions,” said Anahaita Kotval, CEO of Lifting Up Westchester. “Misinformation is extremely problematic. It contributes to stigmatization of people who are already marginalized and impacts the resources we, as a society, are willing to devote to help these members of our community get back on their feet. By inviting our students to spend time and ‘walk in someone else’s shoes,’ we hope to dispel some of these myths that have stubbornly remained part of America’s collective consciousness.”

A panel of 45 judges reviewed the essays – submitted from schools all across Westchester – to select the ultimate winners. First, second, and third place cash prizes were awarded in each of the three grade groups: 7^th and 8^th grades, 9^th and 10^th grades, and 11^th and 12^th grades.  Winners were honored at an Awards Luncheon on April 14^th at Buon Amici Italian restaurant in White Plains, NY.  The Awards Luncheon was generously underwritten by Salvatore and Ritchie D’Errico, owners of the D’Errico Jewelry stores in Scarsdale and Mt. Kisco and loyal supporters of LUW’s youth programs.

Winners of the 2024 Lifting Up Westchester Student Essay Contest include:

7^th and 8^th Grades

1^st Place:          Stephanie Collins, Eastchester Middle School

2^nd Place:         Stephanie Stibler, Saint Augustine School

3^rd Place:         Jui Karande, Briarcliff Middle School

9^th and 10^th Grades

1^st Place:          Sonali Browning, Rye Neck High School

2^nd Place:         Isaac Carrillo, Horace Greeley High School

3^rd Place:         Sophie Xie, Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School

11^th and 12^th Grades

1^st Place:          Ella Grann, Rye Neck High School

2^nd Place:         Isabella Vembenil, The Ursuline School

3^rd Place:         Sara Hanna, Harrison High School