In order to increase awareness and promote understanding in the arenas of race, ethnicity, religion, and LGBTQIA+, TEAM Westport and The Westport Library are co-sponsoring the Tenth 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. This year’s essay topic:  “The Dialogue Challenge".

2023 Essay Challenge Prompt

The Dialogue Challenge. In 1,000 words or less, reflect on your own interactions with people who have different racial, ethnic, religious, LGBTQIA+ identities and /or perspectives. What kinds of conversations were particularly helpful in prompting you to rethink your beliefs or opinions, perhaps causing you to change your mind or enabling you to better understand others' points of view? Based on these experiences, what specific actions would you suggest that individuals, schools, and/or Town entities in Westport take to promote good-faith dialogue, reduce bias, and foster understanding?

2023 Essay Submission Process

Click here to download the Contest Application [PDF]

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Westport Library on April 18, 2023. At the discretion of the judges up to three cash prizes will be awarded subject to the volume and caliber of entries received. The first prize is $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500.