Seniors Daniel Gingerich, Simone Sommers, and Emily Bowman took the top three awards in Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office's high school essay contest that focuses on public policy and faith. This is the second consecutive year that students from Suzanne Ehst's senior English class at Bethany have been chosen for all three awards. Between 40 and 50 students, from both public and private schools across the United States, submitted papers this year.

2007 Essay Contest WinnersThis year students could choose from four essay topics: the Sudan conflict, crime and justice, economic justice and immigration, and faith and politics. Interestingly, all three winning essayists chose to write on restorative justice. Krista Zimmerman, of MCC Washington Office, notes, "The winning essays stood out from what was really a very remarkable group of essays on the subject because many of them used creative persuasive devices and personal examples. They also suggested interesting responses to dilemmas presented by the criminal justice system."

The students' essays listed below may be read by clicking on the title link:

• First place, Daniel Gingerich, "Planting Restorative Justice at the Grassroots"
• Second place, Simone Sommers, "An Eye For a Mediation Circle?"
• Third place, Emily Bowman, "Let Justice Roll on Like a River"

Coincidentally, Bowman, who begins her essay by reflecting on a passage from Sister Helen Prejean's book Dead Man Walking, is now a cast member in the school's upcoming production of Dead Man Walking, based on Prejean's book. The play will be performed Feb. 21, 22, and 24. Tickets may be purchased by calling the school at 534-2567. For more information see www.bethanycs.net/deadmanwalking.

In addition to the Dead Man Walking performances, justice has been a theme in other Bethany settings this year including Spring Arts Day, Jubilate Singers' programs, some Interterm course, and English and Bible class discussions.

Finalists in the essay contest were selected by MCC regional offices with finalist essays then judged by Washington Office staff based on the quality of writing, problem solving, and understanding of the issue. The purpose of the contest is threefold: to promote church-wide awareness of significant public policy issues, to promote youth understanding of the relationship of faith to public policy, and to promote greater awareness of the work of MCC Washington Office. For more information on MCC Washington Office or the contest, see www.mcc.org/us/washington.