By Dirk Langeveld
WESTPORT — The Westport Library has announced two essay contests, inviting participants to explore the themes of diversity, dignity, courage, and perseverance.
The 13th Annual TEAM Diversity Essay Contest, which is co-sponsored with TEAM Westport, is open to high school students. The Jackie Robinson Essay Contest, now in its second year, is open to the general public.
Taking inspiration from the Declaration of Independence
The TEAM Diversity Essay Contest aims to address topics that might present challenges to the Town of Westport’s declared commitment to “fostering a civic culture that provides equitable respect, belonging, and treatment of all citizens, students, employees and visitors by its populace, government, schools, businesses, and organizations.”It is presented in partnership with TEAM Westport, a town-appointed committee that focuses on making Westport more welcoming with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, and LGBTQI-A.
This year’s prompt recognizes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, declaring it to be an enduring symbol of hope for people seeking equal rights, freedom, and self-determination. Participants are asked to submit an essay of 1,000 words or less exploring the relevance and value of the Declaration of Independence in their everyday lives or responsibilities, or identifying opportunities for town leaders to further reinforce the principles of the document.
“With this contest every year, we seek student input on important topics,” said TEAM Westport Chair Harold Bailey. “However, at this time and on this subject, nothing could be more relevant for contemplation.”
“We’re honored to once again host the TEAM Westport TEAM Diversity Essay Contest at the Library,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “At their core, libraries are democratic institutions that foster a lifelong love of learning and encourage dialogue and understanding. So, on this 250th anniversary year, we could not possibly think of a more apt topic, and we are excited to read the amazing essays that the students will produce.”
The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 who are Westport residents or attend a public or private school in Westport. Essays must be submitted by March 16th.
Up to three cash prizes will be awarded for the best entries, with a first place prize of $1,000, second place prize of $750, and third place prize of $500. Winners will be recognized in a special ceremony at The Westport Library on April 28th, where they will read their essays.
For more information on essay applications, the full prompt, and contest entry rules, visit teamwestport.org.
Jackie Robinson Essay Contest
The Jackie Robinson Essay Contest is a partnership between The Westport Library, Westport Center for Senior Activities, BookTrib, and Meryl Moss Media. The contest is geared toward older participants, ages 60 and over.
The contest invites the community to write or co-write a letter to Jackie Robinson, who famously broke the color barrier in professional baseball. Essays should focus on how Robinson’s example impacted the writer or writers’ lives or relationship with one another.
While the contest is open to individual responses or teams of two of any age, it particularly encourages submissions from teams of one senior and one younger person between the ages of six and 21.
“This is more than a writing contest — it’s a chance to build connection across generations, celebrate social progress, and share powerful stories,” The Westport Library said in a statement.
Essays should be 800 words or less and must be submitted by March 15th. One grand prize and two runner-ups will receive prizes, with the possibility for additional prizes to be awarded as well. For more information on the contest, click here.
Dirk Langeveld
Dirk Langeveld has worked as a news reporter, content marketing specialist, and freelance writer. He is the author of “The Artful Dodger: The 20-Year Pursuit of World War I Draft Dodger Grover Cleveland Bergdoll” and has contributed to several books on Connecticut history.
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