In their own words, these are the biographies of the state-level winners (listed by state) in the sixteenth annual National Peace Essay Contest sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace. These state-level winners have received a $1,000 college scholarship, and will compete for national awards of up to $10,000.

Over the years, more than 1,300 state winners have participated in the Washington Awards Week. Many of these "alumni" have gone on to study foreign policy issues in college, or have pursued careers in international affairs.