Essay Contest Open to Warren and Shenandoah County Public High School Seniors – $10,000 in Total Prizes to Be Awarded

The Shenandoah Area Secular Humanists (SASH) have announced the launch of their ninth annual essay contest, open to graduating seniors attending public high schools in Warren and Shenandoah Counties.

The contest offers students the opportunity to compete for a share of $10,000 in prize money, which recipients may use at their discretion following graduation.

Designed to encourage critical thinking and thoughtful reflection, this year’s essay topic is:

A PERSONAL DECISION
How I Made a Choice Between Right and Wrong

Students are asked to submit an original essay of 500–1,000 words addressing the topic in any way they choose. There are no GPA or financial-need requirements to participate. The essay itself is the only required submission.

All entries will be reviewed anonymously by a SASH committee of judges and evaluated based on command of language, quality of approach to the topic, and demonstration of critical thinking skills.

Up to six prizes will be awarded:

• Two First Place awards — $2,500 each
• Two Second Place awards — $1,500 each
• Two Third Place awards — $1,000 each

The submission deadline is April 3, 2026. Awards will be presented at each school’s spring awards ceremony.

Students interested in applying should contact their high school guidance office for complete details and application procedures.

About Shenandoah Area Secular Humanists

SASH is a chapter of the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH). Secular Humanists pursue humanist values outside of a religious framework, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical development, peace and social justice, service and participation, empathy, humility, environmental responsibility, global awareness, and altruism.

More information about SASH is available at the Washington Area Secular Humanists website, wash.org/sash