We are pleased to announce the winners for the third of three essay contests for 2018. Before doing so, we wanted to thank everyone that participated. There were many compelling entries this contest. The amount of effort and dedication put into your service is truly remarkable, this includes students involved in, church volunteer programs, boys and girls scout volunteer programs, foreign aid relief programs, serving the homeless, tutoring peers and youth in various school subjects, coaching youth sports, mentoring in art and music classes, working with special needs students and youth, rescuing animals, creating school lunch programs to serve the economically disadvantaged, books, clothing and school supply drives, raising funds to help pay for children’s medical treatments, raising funds to help fight cancer, and so much more that you all are involved in to help to create a more just and loving world. It truly is admirable and inspiring. Thank you for your service.
It is repeated for every contestant winner announcement, but bears repeating. And that is, we wish we could award everyone that participated a five hundred dollar scholarship prize. The submitted essays were so compelling and to choose one staff favorite was difficult to say the least. That said, everyone that participated is a truly a winner, in that you are serving your country by volunteering your efforts in order that circumstances should be better for those you are serving. And that truly is the best prize of all. So again, thank you for your service! You 
all should be applauded for your commitment to fostering a better world. As you all know, if there is anytime where love, compassion, and service is needed, it’s now. With the on going natural calamities from fires to floods, and other similar events around the world, compounded by issues of racial and economic inequality, it’s so important we do all we can to ease the suffering of others, however small the gesture might be, it all makes a difference.
And now to announce the winners for the third 2018 Essay Contest.
For most shared essay, Rachel Bailey , “Food Finders”. Rachel has founded a program called “Food Finders, the aim of which is to make sure her peers don’t go hungry, which is becoming a wider problem as many students can go the whole day without eating a meal. Rachel’s group wants to ensure no student is left hungry, which in turn ensures students can keep their attention on studying while in school. Rachel’s group has served thousands of meals to fellow peers so far, thereby allowing her peers to focus on building their futures and not their next meal. Great job Rachel! We hope you can spread what you are doing to other schools, so more students can benefit from such a program.
For staff favorite, Jyoti Rani , “Empower in the Future “. We chose Jyoti because of her mission to spread STEM education to the under served. As we continue to evolve as a society, the importance of having a science and math background is crucial to remain competitive, not only as a job candidate but also as a nation. To not acquire skill sets requiring a good knowledge of science, math, and technology leaves one at a disadvantage in our changing society, and continues to further the inequality gap in our nation. A good education that includes a concentration in STEM truly is an equalizer. If we are unable to provide such training to all of our youth, we will most certainly have a more unequal and fragmented nation, but also will not be able to compete in the global marketplace. So we here at Dmvedu.org applaud Jyoti’s work in trying level the playing field and make STEM education more accessible to all segments of our society. We hope you continue your efforts in spreading STEM, so all have an equal chance for a bright future. Great job Jyoti!
Great job to the both of you and congratulations!
Ideally there would be no need for scholarship contests, and each and every citizen would be assured a free college education.
As you know, a high school degree does not go too far these days, and to limit one’s access to a good education and their God given potential because of a lack of resources is truly unjust when we have the means to provide otherwise. So, this is also up to you — to declare that you wish for a college education be granted as a right for all and not just an option for some. You all will soon be or are now of voting age and your views can be put into law to bring about a better future for your generation and generations to come. I do hope you will get involved in bringing about this change. Bless you all.
Here are all submission for this contest. Thanks again to all participants.
by Rachel Bailey
This essay entails the passion of Rachel Bailey which is helping feed her community and school through the Food Finders club.
by Samantha Holland
Volunteering as a Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator.
by Hannah Pais
How volunteering for the food pantry and library tutoring helped others and changed my life
by Cierra Johannes
My essay is about all of the places I have volunteered and how I have helped them. I have spent over 300 hours volunteering with my school, community, and those everywhere. I have enjoyed volunteering and hope to inspire others to volunteer as well.
by Damon Harrell
Bringing light to violence that is plaguing our cities.
by Emma Trickey-Wazny
This is a story of how my life has been impacted my community service.
by Alisa Marra
A summary of the activities and experiences I have had by involving myself in multiple organizations which focus on inclusion for people of all abilities.
by Jordyn E Andress
This past summer, I decided to volunteer at a local hospital. Volunteering granted me the opportunity to learn how to be empathetic and selfless, an opportunity not many high school students get.
by Grace Stefania Radosevich
My volunteer story at a food closet ministry
by Gwaza Nastin Mfena
The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.
by Rachel Halapchuk
In the past couple of years, I have spent my time serving underprivileged youth and their families by celebrating their birthdays with them. Through this process I have learned not to take what I have for granted and that birthdays matter more than we think.
by Michelle Tran
This opportunity to tutoring children has taught me how to give back to the community. As some kids are now struggling to learn, I was able to take my time out to help and pass on my knowledge to students. With me helping them, I was honored to be apart of their life for such a short period of time. And during that short period of time I know that I made a difference in their life.
by Kristen Green
How volunteering motivated me and helped me to stay active and not feel sorry for myself because I was busy helping others. Volunteering gave me a sense of purpose during a time when I felt like I didn't have one.
by Veronica Tadross
I began volunteering in the emergency room to occupy myself during an uneventful summer. At first the tasks I was given seemed boring and meaningless. However with time, I noticed the value of volunteerism and my weekly shifts became very enjoyable.
by Mia Roberts
How volunteering is more than just an act for community service hours. This is an experience to truly touch and be touched by one another and share an unforgettable experience.
by Christine M Dunker
Teamwork is not always easy, but, it is essential. In this essay, I discuss how I have learned this through volunteering at my home church and my passion for serving.
by Catherine Scott
Going from being homeless to helping the homeless.
by Jordan Laurence
Throughout this essay, I will touch on my hours of volunteering throughout the year 2018. Following my volunteering from High School and Community College.
by Allison B Berndt
Giving back lets you learn about yourself while helping others in situations of need. I have had many great experiences volunteering and if I had not ever signed up to volunteer I would not be on my career path I am today.
by Kira Golub
This essay gives a glimpse into how I got involved in animal protection and the ways it has shaped my future goals and my outlook on life. I summarized almost a third of my life into fewer than 500 words by discussing a topic that fills 99% of my heart. I hope you enjoy!
by Julianne Brown
Making a difference in the world is more simple than you think.
by Destiny Rodriguez
From my many years of work with children, specifically minority children from the city of Boston, I have found that so many outside factors hinder students achievements in the classroom. I have volunteered at organizations that aim to battle this, through enrichment and development of the parts of children that don't have a time or place in the traditional classroom setting.
by Amanda Woods
My experiences volunteering at Medina Creative Therapy Ranch have taught me to appreciate all the effort it takes to overcome challenges and the great capacity of love. I have learned when to push boundaries and when to back off, cried happy tears alongside riders, and hugged parents who tell me that they appreciate the difference I have made in their child's life. Knowing I have made a positive difference for someone who needs that care has touched me heart in such a way that I can't wait to continue on this journey throughout college and beyond.
by Meredith Marie Gregory
This essay describes my experience volunteering at Aiken Regional hospital and how this priceless opportunity ties in with my future career goal of becoming a nurse.
by Anna Tri
This essay entails my experiences volunteering at my local hospitals. From unexpected challenges to new friends, I've gained valuable lessons. Through my story, I hope that the spirit of volunteerism can be passed on.
by Daniel Naqui
My experience volunteering with special needs children.
by Elizabeth Tombrown
This essay is about the times spent my thanksgiving packaging and handing out food to the homeless.
by Erica Grace Mosby
My essay describes my passion about serving in my church's 3 year old nursery.
