2024 Winter Contest Prompt

Being a leader does not mean that you are the smartest, wealthiest, or most influential. It means you exemplify certain traits and values that the community finds important and useful for solving certain problems at certain times. 

Choose one lesser-known leader (from the present or past), research their life and work, and write a profile on them. How have they impacted their community in some way? Be creative.

Throughout your essay, you should also be interpreting the following question in your own way: How do you define a leader? How does this person help us understand what a leader could be?

Examples of leaders: nonprofit director, politician, business person, scientist, social activist, writer, artist, musician, performer, tech entrepreneur, historical figure, etc. This can also be someone you know from your community! For example, a teacher, a mentor, a tutor, or a coach.

**DO NOT choose someone who is incredibly obvious and well known (Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, for example). The winner will be someone who finds a leader who may surprise our readers. Interviews are not required.

Who can apply?

  1. You must be enrolled in the Leading Teen Writers Program. Click here to apply for the program to participate in writing contests. To learn more about the program, call 847-602-0367 or email leadingteenwriters@gmail.com

  2. First Division Contest: 6-8th grade

  3. Second Division Contest: 9-12th grade

When is the deadline?

  1. Essays due December 31, 2024 at 11:59pm

  2. No late submissions accepted

What are the guidelines?

  1. Essays must be 1,000-2,000 words

  2. Must have a minimum of 5 sources (here are some types of examples for sources: articles, books, podcasts, images, videos, films, documentaries)

  3. If you decide to do someone you know instead of researching someone, please have a minimum of 3 interviews (this includes the person themselves and 2 other interviews with people who know them).

  4. Must include a Works Cited page

  5. Email leadingteenwriters@gmail.com for any more questions

What are the prizes?

  1. First Division (6-8th grade): 1st place = $100, 2nd place = $25

  2. Second Division (9-10th grade): 1st place = $100, 2nd place = $25

  3. All essays will be published on the Leading Teen Writers website, but the winners will get awards on their personal profiles and will take the top profile spots on the home page.