Local News
Essay contest open to Warren County and Shenandoah County public high school seniors
Now in its sixth year, the Shenandoah Area Secular Humanist (SASH) Essay Contest is open to public high school seniors from Warren and Shenandoah Counties, giving them the opportunity to compete for a $500 prize to use as they like following graduation.
Aimed at encouraging students to consider the role and impact of religion in society, this year’s essay topic asks the question “How does awareness of other cultures in the world encourage us to be better global citizens? We do not have a specific correct answer in mind; we want to know what students think and why.
Applicants must compose an essay of 350-1,000 words that addresses the topic/question in whatever way they see fit. There are no GPA or financial needs requirements for a student to be eligible to compete and the essay is the only required document for submission. Essays will be anonymously reviewed by a SASH committee of judges, who will evaluate and score each based-on command of language, quality of approach to topic, and demonstration of critical thinking skills. As in past years, up to three $500 prizes will be awarded.
High school guidance counselors will assist with the contest by setting a due date for their individual school; collecting, copying, and forwarding essays to SASH early April; and coordinating the notification of winners and presentation of awards at each school’s awards ceremony.
For more information, students should contact their high school guidance office.
About Shenandoah Area Secular Humanists: SASH is a chapter of the Washington Area Secular Humanists (WASH). Secular Humanists are distinguished by the pursuit of humanist values outside of a religious framework: Critical Thinking, Ethical Development, Peace and Social Justice, Service and Participation, Empathy, Humility, Environmentalism, Global Awareness, Responsibility, and Altruism.
More information about SASH can be found on the Washington Area Secular Humanists website, www.wash.org under “Chapters” on the navigation menu bar.
US Labor Market Weakened in June
St. John’s Drama Presents Summer Production of “The Phantom Tollbooth”
Affordability, Jobs, Election Integrity Take Center Stage in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District Race
State Budget Extends Virginia Higher Education Displacement Commission Funding for Two Years
PJM Gets Green Light to Push Data Centers Onto Back-Up Power During Heat Wave
America’s 250th Birthday Celebrated, Despite Extreme Heat, Canceled Events
Ocean Ships at the Front Door
Solving the Lens Fogging Problem
How a King Became 42,000 Bullets
Storm Damage Closes Water Street in Front Royal
Relay for America Passes Through Leesburg Carrying Message of Unity Ahead of America 250
The Slab Pie: Apple Pie Built for a Picnic
Can You Fund Retirement Without Stocks?
‘From the Consent of the Governed’
Cardinals Host Strasburg Express Sunday, July 5 at Bing Crosby Stadium
Minnie Cassandra Stribling McDaniel (1956 – 2026)
The Signer Who Paid the Price
Right Trees Can Make Windbreaks Stronger and Longer Lasting
The Declaration of Independence at 250
Coolidge’s 1926 Warning Still Echoes Nearly a Century Later
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for July 6 – 10 2026
Business Growth Series: If You’re Not Creating Opportunities, You’re Losing Them
Virginia Launches Nation’s First Court-Ordered Speed Limiter Program for Reckless Drivers
Virginia’s Reproductive Rights Amendment Faces Legal Challenges Over Procedural Step, Language
