The Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest today recognized the Teacher of Distinction for the 2020-2021 contest. A total of 26 teachers received the honor in Georgia Rotary District 6900. They received an honorarium of $100 for their efforts. More than 25,000 high school students across Georgia shared their personal values in their Law of Life essay for this year’s contest. Seven statewide winners were announced in April.

Special recognition goes to the teachers whose students won statewide honors. Heidi Chambers from Bainbridge High School whose student, Corbin Austin, was named the State Winner in the contest. Pamela White of Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts was also recognized as teacher of Jamea Harris, the winner of the George A. Stewart Jr. Character In Action Award.

Rotary clubs across Georgia conduct the Laws of Life Essay Contest in partnership with local high schools through the nonprofit Georgia Rotary Districts Character Education Program, Inc (GRDCEP). Rotarians volunteer to read and judge essays, serve on the contest’s Board of Directors, and volunteer their professional expertise to help build positive character traits and strong social and emotional competency among students. The essay contest aligns with Rotary’s emphasis on education, high ethical standards and service above self.

Educators from partnering high schools value the experience for their students. “Due to remote learning, this year was more difficult than normal to get to know each of our students. Having them write a personal narrative helped a little to bridge that gap.” expressed Kensey D’Souza of Thomas County Central High School.

For the 2020-21 contest, a total of 25,112 students wrote essays, and 54 participating Rotary clubs in Georgia will award over $17,000 in cash prizes. Throughout the spring, winning students will share their essays with enthusiastic audiences at local and district-wide Rotary Club meetings and at regional Rotary conferences. Videos of students reading their essays can also be found on GLL social media channels. On YouTube, here are videos Corbin Austin (https://youtu.be/HotDlsufhRM) and Jamea Harris (https://youtu.be/pBZYMRL3o0E) reading their essays.

Since 1999, the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest has impacted over 750,000 students. Inspired by the power of simple, memorable quotes, or Laws of Life, Sir John Templeton established the writing competition in 1987 to encourage young people to embrace the wisdom of these sayings and live their best lives. In their essays, students use a law to reflect on values that mean the most to them – values such as generosity, courage, perseverance, honesty, integrity, and compassion.