In honor of National Hazing Prevention Week (Sept. 25-29, 2023), Hazing Prevention Network and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) again host our High School Essay Contest. The annual essay contest, is designed to encourage conversations about hazing and hazing prevention at the high school level.
High school students are encouraged to write a 500- to 600-word essay focused on an anti-hazing stance.
The theme for this year’s contest is “How can I make a difference against hazing?” This theme encourages individuals to speak out against hazing and take action to prevent it from happening. The contest aims to give a platform to voices that have been silenced and to empower individuals to make a positive difference in their communities. By participating in this contest, individuals can help raise awareness and work towards ending the harmful practice of hazing.
Essays will be judged based upon the following criteria: adherence to theme, grammar/spelling, clarity of message, and creativity/uniqueness of message. The top three essay authors will receive cash prizes ranging from $500 to $150.
2023 Theme: How can I make a difference against hazing?
Entry Deadline: June 1, 2023, was the deadline this year. The contest is now closed and winners will be announced around National Hazing Prevention Week in September.
General Guidelines:
- Entrants must be high school students in the US.
- All entries must be received by the contest deadline to be considered.
- Entries must follow the contest guidelines in terms of length, adherence to theme/topic, and portrayal of an anti-hazing stance.
- All entries must be the original work of the entrant.
- Essays become the property of HPN and may be used in print, digital and web-based promotional materials by HPN and/or the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). If requested at the time of submission by the author, certain identifying details may be removed from the essay before it is published.
- Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three essays in the following amounts:
- 1st place $500
- 2nd place $250
- 3rd place $150
- In addition, one essay from each of the eight regional sections of the NFHS will be selected to receive Honorable Mention for that section. Each Honorable Mention will receive $50.
- Winners will be notified summer 2023. Checks and certificates will be mailed summer, 2023.
- The judging and selection process is at the sole discretion of Hazing Prevention Network and the judging committee(s) chosen for such purpose. Submissions may be disqualified for any reason the committee sees fit, and the selection process will remain confidential. Decisions of the judges are final and binding.
- Entrants are responsible for complying with these guidelines.
- Submit essays using the form linked below by the deadline of June 1, 2023.
- Open to US residents only.
