$500 Grand Prize

Share Your Story. Shape Your Future.

Join the Peer Power Essay Writing Contest and let your voice be heard. Express your dreams, aspirations, and the mark you want to leave on the world.

April 11th - April 25th, 2025

7 Cash Prizes
Featured Publication
Expert Judging Panel

Essay Theme

I Want to Be Somebody Someday. What is Your Purpose?

Word Count: 500-650 words

Thank you to our title sponsor, Idlewild Presbyterian Church, for making this possible!

Eligibility

  • Open to all participating high schools
  • Both Peer Power and non-Peer Power schools welcome
  • One submission per student

Judging Panel

Your essays will be evaluated by distinguished judges including:

  • Retired teachers from Idlewild Presbyterian Church
  • Panel of teachers from participating schools
  • Church sponsors from across Memphis

How to Participate

  1. Attend the announcement at Academic Olympics (April 11)
  2. Write your essay (500-650 words)
  3. Submit via Google Form (Deadline: April 25)
  4. Await results (May 5)

prizes & awards

Grand Prizes

1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $350
3rd Place: $200

Peer Power Schools

1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

*Each school will have their own 1st, 2nd, & 3rd prizes.

Non-Peer Power Schools

1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

*All school will have one set of 1st, 2nd, & 3rd prizes.

Winner Announcement: May 5th, 2025

Paper Airplane