Baton Rouge, La. — May 1, 2020 — Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced an essay contest Friday for high school seniors to address central issues facing our community in the coronavirus pandemic.
The contest is open to graduating seniors who are members of the Class of 2020 and attend schools in East Baton Rouge Parish.
“Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, I planned to implement a scholarship program to benefit our graduating seniors in East Baton Rouge Parish,” said Mayor Broome. “I want to use this opportunity to help our seniors through times of uncertainty, while giving them the chance to show initiative, empower their voices, and share their input on the challenges they are facing.”
Seniors who wish to participate are asked to prepare an essay on, “What Should High School Education Look Like In a COVID-19 Culture?” Essays should contain a minimum of 700 words, with no more than 1,000 words.
The contest is open to graduating seniors who are under the age of 19 as of June 1st. Students must reside in East Baton Rouge Parish and attend high school within the parish at the time of entry.
Financial awards in the increments of $2,000 (first place); $1,000 (second place); $500 (third place) and two $250 (special recognition) will be provided to students along with a certificate of recognition.
All awards will be payable directly to the student and will not be extended to any other named person.
All essays should be submitted to covid19essay@brla.gov by midnight on May 25, 2020. Official contest rules can be found on brla.gov/covid19essay.