Vermont Right to Life has announced the winners of its first annual pro-life essay contest. The contest was extended to all Vermont students grades 6-12. 

The contest was titled, “The Value of a Single Human Life.” Here’s the question: Think of a person in your life whose qualities you have come to appreciate and then write an essay about why you are glad that person was born. The highlights below have been lifted from the three first place essay winners in each grade category: 

“I am happy to say that he is loved and cherished and his parents agree that having him was the best decision they could have made. Sure, no kid growing up has a perfect life, but in reality, what it all comes down to is how their past has shaped their life and who they have become today.”    Georgia, Grade 11-12, Brownington – Full Essay Here 

“…….my brother’s life means much to me in another, entirely different way – he has been hospitalized for the serious mental illness of schizophrenia since June. To some people this may suggest that his life would be better left unlived. However, it has only encouraged my appreciation for Mathew’s life all the more. Although he has a serious disability, Mathew’s influence on my life and his life itself mean even more to me, due to the enormous positive effect he has had on my life and for the hope that his condition will improve.  I greatly appreciate my brother’s life and qualities, and it encourages the belief that every life matters, and should.”    Jonathan, Grade 9-10, Colchester – Full Essay Here 

“I think to myself sometimes about how lucky I am to have a grandpa that loves and cares for me. I do not know what I would do if he had never been born. Life is special and we should use it wisely…….I am glad he was born because he gives me hope and joy.”   Nora, Grade 6-8, Shelburne – Full Essay Here

In addition to awards for the 9 top essay winners, there were 8 entities (Homeschool Co-op, Catholic Schools, Christian Schools, Sunday Schools, Independent Schools, etc) that submitted 5 or more essays each. The organizations that qualified for a group prize were then placed in a drawing for $1,000.00.  The winner: Websterville Christian Academy in Websterville. 

Visit www.vrlc.net to read the winning essays from the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in grades 6 – 8, 9 – 10 & 11-12.

The Vermont Right to Life Educational Trust Fund will hold the Essay Contest again in 2025.