Winners Selected for the Youth Forward Scholarship Essay Contest

We are pleased to announce the winners for the second of three essay contests for 2017.

Before doing so, we wanted to thank everyone that participated. We wish we could award everyone that participated a five hundred dollar scholarship prize. 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 thank you for that. 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 recent hurricane events in Houston, Florida, and Puerto Rico, 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 second 2017 Essay Contest.

For the staff favorite, Tiernan Ramer, "Tiernan's Soles". Tiernan has been volunteering for nearly five years now, collecting thousands of pairs of shoes and donating them to those in need. Great job Tiernan!

For most shared essay, with a whopping four thousand and fifty votes! Adara DeNiro, "Shining Students". Adara has been mentoring children with learning difficulties in the Little Teacher's Club program. Awesome work Adara!

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 education and their God given potential because of a lack of resources should not be what we as a country stand for.

So, this is also up to you — to declare that you wish for college tuition be granted as a right and not just an option for some, but a right for all. I do hope you will get involved in bringing about this change. Bless you all.