WA State PTA Essay Contest

The Washington State PTA essay contest explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of children – from the children’s perspective.

 

Every day children are exposed to a variety of people and each one has an opportunity to influence the path a child decides to take. Whether it is someone that sparks an interest in a new topic, helps them work through a problem, shapes the kind of person they want to become by modeling behavior, simply listens to them, or any number of other actions, this is the platform for students to share their appreciation.

 

To help celebrate the people that are most important in influencing the lives of children around the state of Washington, the objective of this contest is for students of all ages and abilities to write an essay about an influential role model that has had a profound impact on their life. The influential role model must be a real person that the student has interacted with, not a fictional character. These essays, from the students’ perspectives, will serve to inspire and acknowledge amazing individuals. The essay must be no more than 650 words.

The student must personally know the influential person that they are writing about.

Students may consider many questions when writing their essays including (but not limited to):

• Why is this role model important in your life?

• What life lessons, ethics, or skills have the influential role model taught you?

• Why do you look up to this role model and appreciate having him or her in your life?

• How would your life be different without this role model?

• How would other kids benefit from having a similar role model in their lives?​​​​

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The application deadline is February 13, 2025