L to R: Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer, Annam Olasewere,Aanya Gandhi, Sienna Tzou, Souleye Kebe, Staples High School Principal Stafford Thomas, and TEAM Westport Chair Harold Bailey Jr. Photo credit: Jerri Graham Photography
In partnership with The Westport Library, TEAM Westport has named Annam Olasewere, Aanya Gandhi, Souleye Kebe, and Sienna Tzou as the winners of its 2025 Teen Diversity Essay Contest.
The winners were honored at a special evening ceremony held in the Library’s Trefz Forum on Monday, April 28.
This year’s essay challenge focused on Identity. Here is the prompt:
TEAM Westport is dedicated to addressing issues of bias and discrimination related to race, religion, ethnicity, and LGBTQIA+ identity that negatively impact our town’s goal of being a welcoming community for all who live and work here. The recent introduction of the Anti-Defamation League's "No Place for Hate" initiative in Westport's schools strives to create an environment where all students feel they belong and are free from bias, bullying, or hatred.
In our community, each person's unique identity — shaped by their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other aspects of who they are — contributes to the character of Westport. In 1,000 words or less, we invite you to reflect on how your own identity shapes your perspective and the experiences you have in Westport. Please address the following considerations in your response:
Annam Olasewere was named the first-place essayist and awarded $1,000 for her work entitled “Understood. Connected. Valued.” Annam is a senior at Staples.
Aanya Gandhi was named second-place essayist and awarded $750 for her work entitled “White Paint and Other Lies.” Aanya is a sophomore at Staples.
Souleye Kebe was named third-place essayist and awarded $500 for his work entitled “S-L-M.” Souleye is a junior at Staples.
Sienna Tzou received honorable mention and was awarded $250 for her work entitled “The Value of Identity from the Start.” Sienna is a freshman at Staples.
This year’s essay contest was open to students in grades 9-12 at a public or private high school in Westport, or a resident who attends school elsewhere.
The 2025 prompt specifically addressed TEAM Westport's dedication to addressing issues of bias and discrimination related to race, religion, ethnicity, and LGBTQIA+ identity. Contest participants were asked to consider which aspects of their identity feel most central to how they wish to be understood and accepted, how aspects of their identity shape their daily school and community experiences, and what specific changes the community could make to decrease identity-based bias, bullying, and hate.
“I have always been encouraged when the youth of our community participate in discussions that will enhance their experience in Westport, and ultimately, in the world beyond,” said Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker. “TEAM Westport’s Essay program provides contest participants with a forum to express and capture their unique and honest perspective on their experience in Westport. They are wonderful illustrations that we are a community that strives to be welcoming for all.”
“These thoughtful young writers have contributed their perspectives on identity and belonging in our community with tremendous talent and insight,” said TEAM Westport Chair Harold Bailey. “They continue the very important tradition of teen essayists whose voices help shape how we understand diversity in our schools and town.”
“The Library is once again proud to host this celebration of young voices addressing crucial issues of identity and inclusion,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “These essays are powerful and thoughtful. They demonstrate the great diversity of the Westport experience and reflect the Library's mission to empower individuals and strengthen the community through learning and the open exchange of ideas.”
The judges for this year’s contest were:
- Judith A. Hamer, PhD, retired professor (chief judge)
- Ramin Ganeshram, executive director, Westport Museum for History and Culture
- Kerri Gawreluk, coordinator, programs, community coalitions, and digital marketing, The Westport Library
- Alex Giannini, director, program and events, The Westport Library
- Shonda Rhimes, television producer, screenwriter, founder of Shondaland
- Donna Skolnick, retired teacher
All judges are writers.
"As a writer, I know how important having outlets of expression can be,” said Rhimes. “The TEAM Westport essay contest provides our young people with the opportunity to raise their voices and be heard while also showcasing the rich diversity of thought so necessary for fostering community. I was honored to be a judge for this year’s contest, and I thank the writers for sharing their points of view. Every essay submission was a valuable revelation for us all.”
Now in its 12th year, the essay contest was established to further TEAM Westport's goal of engaging Westport teens in the dialogue surrounding diversity and belonging. Prior challenges have tackled topics from hate speech and white privilege to micro-aggressions and dialogue, drawing widespread attention and engagement in Westport and beyond.
For more information about TEAM Westport and to read winning essays from this and prior years, please visit the TEAM Westport website at www.teamwestport.org
