TEAM Westport Teen Diversity Essay Contest Awards Event

TEAM Westport, in partnership with The Westport Library, is proud to present the winners of the Seventh Annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest on Thursday, August 13 at 7 pm.

This is a virtual event. To register and view the event, click here.

This Awards Ceremony was postponed in March from its original April 2 date due to the COVID crisis. At that time, this year’s three finalists: Victoria Holoubek-Sebok (Grade 10), Sahiba Dhindsa (Grade 12), and Zachary Terrillion (Grade 12) were announced.  All are Staples High students. In addition, actual placement of the finalists and awarding of the prizes will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony. The first prize is $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500.

In order to increase awareness and promote understanding in the arenas of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and gender-identity, the annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest is open to 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 virtual Awards Ceremony will feature the three winning essays, read by their authors, as well as remarks from First Selectman James Marpe, TEAM Westport Chair Harold Bailey,  and other members of TEAM Westport.

This year’s Essay Challenge: “In 1,000 words or fewer, describe your experiences witnessing, delivering, and/or being subjected to stereotypes focused on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, and describe the impact that such experiences are likely to have upon recipients.  Consider steps that organizations, schools, and/or individuals could take to counteract stereotypes—whether as initiator, recipient or witness.”