Celebrating Academic Excellence: Green Schools Foundation Backs Student Success in Laws of Life Essay Contest
The Green Schools Foundation announces its financial backing of the prestigious annual Laws of Life essay contest, regionally sponsored by the Better Business Association.
The Green Schools Foundation is proud to announce the exceptional results from this year's Laws of Life essay competition, where our students once again demonstrated their remarkable ability to articulate the values and principles that guide their lives.
Record Participation in 2024
This year's competition saw record participation with over 150 essays submitted across all grade levels from Green Local Schools. Students from elementary through high school shared deeply personal stories about the laws that guide their decisions, overcome challenges, and shape their character.
"The quality and depth of reflection in this year's essays was truly exceptional," said Mark Herdlick, President of the Green Schools Foundation. "Our students continue to impress us with their maturity, insight, and commitment to living by strong moral principles."
This Year's Winning Essays
The competition featured three categories, each highlighting different developmental stages and perspectives:
Elementary School Winner (Grades K-5)
Emma Martinez, 5th Grade - "Kindness is the Key to Friendship"
Emma's essay beautifully described how a simple act of kindness toward a new student led to a lasting friendship and taught her that small gestures can have big impacts on others' lives.
Middle School Winner (Grades 6-8)
Jacob Thompson, 7th Grade - "Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn't Work Hard"
Jacob shared his journey of making the basketball team through dedication and practice, even when others seemed naturally more gifted, proving that perseverance and effort can overcome perceived limitations.
High School Winner (Grades 9-12)
Sophia Chen, 11th Grade - "Your Past Doesn't Define Your Future"
In a moving essay about overcoming academic struggles and family challenges, Sophia demonstrated how she learned that mistakes and difficult circumstances don't have to limit future possibilities when met with determination and support.
The Power of Reflective Writing
The Laws of Life essay competition serves multiple purposes in our students' development. Beyond improving writing skills, the program encourages deep self-reflection and helps students identify the core values that will guide them through life's challenges.
"When students take the time to examine their beliefs and experiences, they develop a stronger sense of self and purpose," explained Sarah Johnson, English teacher at Green High School. "The essays often reveal wisdom and maturity that surprises even their teachers."
Community Impact
The Laws of Life program extends beyond individual student growth. Many essays this year addressed themes of community service, environmental responsibility, and social justice, demonstrating that our students are thinking deeply about their role in making the world a better place.
Several students wrote about volunteer experiences, family traditions that emphasize giving back, and personal commitments to helping others. These essays show that the values being cultivated in our schools are creating citizens who will contribute positively to our community and beyond.
Recognition and Celebration
All winning students received cash prizes and certificates of recognition. They will be honored at the Green Schools Foundation's annual Celebration of Education event in the spring, where they will have the opportunity to share excerpts from their winning essays with the broader community.
Additionally, selected essays will be published in the Green Local Schools newsletter and featured on the district's website, allowing these inspiring stories to reach an even wider audience.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year's Laws of Life competition reinforces the Green Schools Foundation's commitment to supporting programs that develop both academic skills and character in our students. Plans are already underway for next year's competition, with consideration being given to expanding the program to include multimedia submissions and community partnerships.
"Programs like Laws of Life exemplify our mission to promote academic excellence while nurturing the whole student," said Justin Speight, Vice President of the Green Schools Foundation. "When we invest in character development alongside academic achievement, we're preparing students not just for tests, but for life."
How to Get Involved
The Green Schools Foundation encourages all community members to support programs like Laws of Life through membership, donations, or volunteer opportunities. Teachers interested in incorporating reflective writing into their curriculum can contact the Foundation for resources and support.
Students who missed this year's competition are encouraged to start thinking about their own laws of life and preparing for next year's contest, which will launch in October 2025.
For more information about the Laws of Life essay competition or other Green Schools Foundation programs, visit our website or contact us at greenschoolsfoundation@gmail.com.