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Home Menu2022 Teen Diversity Essay Contest
Click here to view the winning essays for 2022!
Click here to hear the winning essays presented!
In order to increase awareness and promote understanding in the arenas of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and gender-identity, TEAM Westport and The Westport Library co-sponsored the Ninth Annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest for students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 who attend Staples High School or another school in Westport, or reside in Westport and attend school elsewhere. Last year’s TEAM Westport contest focused on “Black Lives Matter”. This year’s challenge asked “Why It Can Be So Difficult To Talk About Race”.
Winners were announced at a ceremony at the Westport Library on April 4, 2022. The first prize was$ 1,000, the second prize was $ 750, and the third prize was $ 500.
2022 Essay Challenge Prompt
“Why can it be so difficult to talk about race? Trevor Noah, award-winning comedian, writer, and television host from South Africa, says, '... the first thing we have to do in any conversation is figure out what the words mean in the conversation that we’re having.'
In 1000 words or fewer, describe what you would like to explain to people in your community who avoid or struggle with talking about race or acknowledging systemic racism or who apply a "colorblind" approach to issues.”