In honor of the importance of ethics, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity conducts an essay contest every year in which students are encouraged to address either the ethical topic presented by the Foundation or one of their choosing.
Many may recognize the name Elie Wiesel from his book “Night,” a memoir about his experiences as a prisoner in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. Throughout his life, he has worked to fight bigotry and discrimination across the world. The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity was formed in 1986, shortly after Wiesel received the Nobel Peace Prize.
This year’s essay contest, which is open to full-time juniors and seniors, encompasses the topic: “Articulate with clarity an ethical issue that you have encountered and analyze what it has taught you about ethics.” However, essays about other topics, as long as they pertain to ethics, are acceptable.
“There is a very diverse range of essays,” a representative from The Elie Wiesel Foundation said. “Last year, the first-place essay compared slavery to oil, and the other winning essays were about drug wars, euthanasia, bullying and hazing and pregnancy.”
Since this is a national essay contest, it is an incredible opportunity for students to get recognition for their ideas. The first-prize winner receives $5,000, with $2,500, $1,500 and $500 going to the second, third and honorable mentions.
“We appeal to college students to send us their essays,” Elie Wiesel said in his letter to students. “We promise you they will not be ignored. In fact, we shall be proud to be your first readers. And perhaps your first critics and publishers.”
Those who submit essays are not just competing for prize money; they are competing for a place within one of the most prestigious humanitarian organizations in the world.
Those interested in participating in the essay contest can do so by visiting: http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/prizeinethics.aspx.
