Social Justice Essay Contest - Justice Starts with Us: Young Voices for Change
Who Can Enter?
All 6th–8th grade students in the Ritenour School District
What’s It About?
This contest honors Mrs. Lisa Glover-Jones, a Ritenour Board of Education member and lifelong advocate for education, equity and community empowerment.
It’s your chance to:
- Share your voice on important social justice issues
- Research, reflect, and propose solutions for change
- Show how young people can make a difference
Essay Guidelines
- Length: 500–750 words
- Topic: A social justice issue (racial equity, gender equality, environmental justice, disability rights, immigration, etc.)
- Must include:
- A personal connection
- Research or statistics
- A solution or call to action
Note: No AI tools may be used to write the essay.
Important Dates
- Due Date: Jan. 16, 2026
- Winners Selected: Jan. 30, 2026
- Winners Announced: Feb. 3, 2026
- Essays Read at Ritenour Board Meeting: Feb. 12, 2026
- Winning Essays Posted on the Ritenour Website: Feb. 13, 2026
Prizes
- 1st Place at both Hoech and Ritenour Middle: $100 cash prize + essay published on district website
- 2nd and 3rd Place at Hoech and Ritenour Middle: Invited to the Ritenour Board of Education meeting to read their essays
- All participants: Certificate of participation
How Essays Will Be Judged
- Clarity and strength of your message
- Connection to the theme
- Creativity and originality
- Organization and writing quality
- Insight and solutions
Why Participate?
Because your voice matters! This contest gives you the chance to share your ideas, inspire others and be recognized as a leader for justice in our community.
Submission Requirements
Please use this link to submit your essay by Jan. 16, 2025. https://forms.gle/tSbQgEVCWyfc91jN8
Questions?
Contact:
Ms. Tisha Lee-McBride
8th Grade ELA Teacher, Hoech Middle School
mcbridet@ritenourschools.org