The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest hosted its annual Founders Celebration on October 9 at the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, welcoming, student writers, Rotarians, donors, educators, and friends from across Georgia for an inspiring evening dedicated to character, gratitude, and community.

Executive Director Carol Gray Walker, Event Chair Bob Hagan and Board Member Ed Outlaw led the program, recognizing donors and presenting Bridge Builder plaques to multi-year financial supporters whose generosity sustains the contest’s mission. Guests heard moving stories from passionate educators, this year’s student essay winner, and an alumna whose journey from homelessness to earning her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering embodied the transformative power of the Laws of Life program.

Katherine Yang , the 2024–25 Susan G. Mason Founders Award winner and a junior at Northview High School, shared her award-winning essay on appreciation and family. Her reflections reminded everyone that gratitude and perseverance are cornerstones of character. Later, Jackie Harmon, a 2011- 2012 Honorable Mention recipient, returned to share how writing a Laws of Life essay changed her life, influencing both her confidence and career.

Throughout the evening, guests celebrated the impact of the Bridge to the Future Campaign, which continues to expand the contest’s reach to more students and schools across Georgia. Each year, more than 33,000 students participate in the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest through partnerships with Rotary Clubs, who sponsor local contests, host recognition events, and help students reflect on the values that shape good character and strong communities.

Rotary’s long-standing commitment remains at the heart of the program’s success. “Rotary Clubs are looking for meaningful projects that engage young people,” said Executive Director Carol Gray Walker. “The Laws of Life contest aligns with Rotary’s focus on leadership, peace, literacy, and youth development—and it changes lives.”

The evening also highlighted the program’s corporate and individual sponsors, whose support makes this work possible. A special thank-you goes to Delta Community Credit Union, Peach State Federal Credit Union, Trainz, and our many Bridge Builders for their generous commitment to helping Georgia’s students grow in character and confidence.

Individuals interested becoming a Bridge Builder and Rotary Clubs interested in learning more about sponsoring a contest or hosting a Laws of Life presentation are invited to contact Carol Gray Walker, Executive Director, at carol@georgialawsoflife.org or visit www.georgialawsoflife.org . Presentations can be customized for Rotary club meetings and often feature inspiring student speakers, Board Members or program staff.

Together, Georgia’s Rotarians continue to build bridges of character, compassion, and leadership—helping the next generation of Georgians live their own Laws of Life.