The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to announce the 14 winners of the 2017 David Hudak Memorial High School Essay Contest for Students of Color.
High school seniors of color were asked to write a personal persuasive essay about what they would you like to tell a believer in their life about why they chose freethought (atheism, agnosticism).
Winners are listed below. The award amount and the college or university they will be attending are also listed.
First place
Lydia Mason, New York University ($3,000)
Second place
Uma Kokilepersaud, University of Maryland ($2,000)
Third place
Lauren Greenlee, University of
San Francisco ($1,000)
Fourth place
Lizeth Ortega-Luna, Pomona College ($750)
Fifth place
Celestina Garcia, Indiana University ($500)
Sixth place (tie)
Sarah Espada, Cedar Crest College ($400)
Evann Bailey, University of
Tennessee-Chattanooga ($400)
Honorable mentions ($200 each)
Avin Arefzadeh, University of Illinois
Dominic Ryan Vince Cruz, Washington College
Shejan Heaven, University of Georgia
Miaun McCloud, Grand Valley State University
Erin O’Malley, University of Rochester
Dylan Palmer, New York University
FFRF has offered essay competitions since 1979. This contest is named for the late David Hudak, an FFRF member who left a bequest to generously fund a student essay contest. FFRF thanks Dean and Dorea Schramm for providing a $100 bonus to students who are members of a secular club. The total of $9850 reflects bonuses.
