In their own words, these are the biographies of the state-level winners (listed by state) in the twentieth annual National Peace Essay Contest. These state-level winners have received college scholarships of $1,000. They will also compete for national awards of $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500 for first, second, and third place respectively (national awards include state award amounts).

"Youth in Conflict"
Coordinator: Ms. Karen C. Myrick

Claire lives in Fairhope, Alabama, where she is a sophomore at Fairhope High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Scholar's Bowl. She hopes to become fluent in as many languages as possible, and is currently studying French, Spanish, Russian and Thai. Her favorite activities include tumbling and circus training. After graduating high school, Claire hopes to attend Columbia University and major in Medicine.

"Friends Do Not Fight Friends"
Coordinator: Ms. Lisa G. Phillips

Elizabeth, a lifelong Alaskan, is a sophomore at West Anchorage High School. She participates in Mock Trial, Model United Nations, tennis, DDF, and riflery. Lettering in both DDF and riflery in her first years, she achieved the riflery's varsity "A" team and distinction as "most improved." She is also a member of Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, a Senior Girl Scout, and a volunteer for Anchorage Animal Control. She is extremely active in the Anchorage Youth Court, which provides "juvenile justice for youth by youth," as a leading attorney, judge, and mentor, and by holding positions on the Board of Directors, the Ethics Board, and as Treasurer. She plays the flute for both her school's symphonic band and Alaska's Arctic Wind Flute Choir. She plans to study biomedical engineering first and go on to medical school. She hopes to eventually give back to society through serving in programs such as Doctors Without Borders.

"Reintegrating Children, Building Peace: Interaction, Education and Participation"
Coordinator: Virginia Teeples

A resident of Tempe, Arizona, Wendy is a junior at Corona del Sol High School. An active participant of the annual fight against cancer, she organizes the Luminaria ceremony that honors the memory of loved ones and celebrates the courage of survivors. She represents the youths in her community by serving as the Chair of Community Service for Mayor’s Youth Commission. Exhibiting leadership and passion, she drives numerous events as the vice president of National Honor Society, Red Cross Club, and Corona Cancer Community. Her hobbies range from playing a vigorous game of badminton to living vicariously through the characters in a novel. As one of seven winners in the 2006 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest, Wendy will continue to be immersed in the humanities by attending the 2007 Telluride Association Summer Program right after the NPEC Awards Program.

"Preventing the Use of Children in Terrorism: Sri Lanka and Palestine"
Coordinator: Mr. William J. Topich

Amanda is a junior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Interested in the social sciences, she is vice president of her school's Model United Nations club and Young Republicans Society. She is also a member of the Honor Council, the Little Rock Mayor's Youth Council, and the varsity girls' soccer team. Amanda directs her church youth choir, plays the piano, and has received a superior rating from the National Federation of Music Clubs for ten consecutive years. She tutors once a week at a local elementary school and is also an after-school tutor in Spanish and Math. She recently received the National Spanish Honor Society's Travel Scholarship, several awards at her district foreign language competition and science fair, first place for a research paper at District History Day, and a nomination to attend Girls' State.

"Reintegrating Youth Combatants: Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo"
Coordinator: Cherie Redelings

The student's bio has been removed in response to a parent's request.

"The Necessity to Reintegrate Child Soldiers into their Societies after War"
Coordinator: Barbara S. Herrli

Graham thrives in the invigorating mountain air of Eldorado Springs Canyon near Boulder, CO. He revels in the delight of learning as much as he can, and has joined countless clubs at his school for this purpose, participating as an active member in three foreign language clubs, a captain of his school's Knowledge Bowl team, and an avid member of the Swing Dance Club, among other activities. His love of learning has prompted him to teach himself to juggle, to unicycle, and to speak French. Graham's belief in the paramount importance of learning has led to his involvement as a fundraiser for girls' education in Africa and as a tutor at the local middle school. Graham loves writing. He has written three books and hopes to eventually publish these and many more. This fall Graham will take up residence at Stanford, where he plans to major in history. He aspires to become a lawyer or a professor.

"Preventing Youth Participation in Armed Conflict"
Coordinator: Mr. William Tressler

Sarah will graduate from high school this June, and is headed to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in the fall. She will major in electronic media, arts, and communication. Sarah has been active in Irish Step Dancing for the last fourteen years, and is currently a preliminary champion and an assistant teacher. She also enjoys volunteering in her community, playing violin and viola, and many types of craftwork.

Delaware
Tiffany E. Wen | Newark High School | Newark, Delaware

"Combating Violent Conflict by Eliminating Youth Militancy: Mozambique and Sierra Leone"
Coordinator: Mr. Brett P. Tomashek

Tiffany will be graduating as valedictorian and class president this year at Newark High. A Girls Nation alumna, she is excited to return to DC. Tiffany is a National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar with Distinction. Named Outstanding Senator, she was twice selected to the YMCA Conference on National Affairs, on behalf of both Model UN and DE Youth in Government. In addition to her academic pursuits, Tiffany is a six-time team captain and twelve-season varsity letterman in cross country, indoor track, and track. She has also served as a Lt. Governor in the Capital District of Key Club International, the world's largest high school service organization. She credits her MUN/YIG advisor, Brett Tomashek, as her greatest inspiration thus far, encouraging her international pursuits and introducing her to the coffeehouse she currently inhabits. Tiffany will be attending Harvard University as a government major in the fall.

No winner was selected for the District of Columbia. We strongly encourage teachers and students from the District of Columbia to participate in next year's contest.

"A Return to Innocence"
Coordinator: Ben W. MacKay

Zach resides in Jacksonville, Florida, where he is an International Baccalaureate candidate at Stanton College Preparatory School. He serves on the Student Senate, is active in numerous honor societies, and will be attending Boys State. Zach has volunteered at the Jewish Community Alliance camps for children as a counselor. He has written extensively to the State Congress, attempting to persuade legislators to vote against a mandated school start date. His interest in politics and international affairs is only exceeded by his interest in religious studies and philosophy, in which he plans to major in college. In the future he hopes to meet a wide range of people, share good conversations, and learn much.

"Child Soldiers in Iran and Sri Lanka: A Study in Contrasts"
Coordinator: Geri L. Flanary

Harrison is involved in orchestra, track, and Model United Nations at Duluth High School, where he is a freshman, but his deepest interests lie in philosophy, politics, and the piano. He especially enjoys studying the philosophy of Ayn Rand and Francis Fukuyama, the French political climate, and piano composition. He is lucky to be graced with a loving family that filled his room with books. He especially prides himself on his habit of never finishing a book without writing his own thoughts in the margins.

"Guiding the Impressionable"
Coordinator: Ms. Diane Hom

Selina is a senior at Hawaii Baptist Academy, where she serves as a representative of the student council and worked on the yearbook and school newspaper. She has also participated as a varsity member of her school's cross-country and canoe paddling teams. Her hobbies include tennis, jogging, snorkeling, and bodyboarding. This fall Selina will begin the doctoral program at the University of Hawaii School of Architecture.

"Building Bridges to Peace Through Youth Camaraderie"
Coordinator: Nancy G. Doyle

Kristina is a lifelong resident of Island Park, Idaho, just west of Yellowstone National Park. She travels 35 miles each morning to attend North Fremont High School in Ashton, where she is a senior. She plans to study international relations in college, and looks forward to participating in a study abroad program and in international service projects. Kristina enjoys skiing, snowboarding, sailing, and her hobbies include both listening to and playing music, from opera to rap. Travel is high on Kristina's priority list and she looks forward to visiting Washington, DC and meeting students from around the country who are interested in foreign policy.

"‘Better than Silver and Gold’: Sustainable Education for the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Child Soldiers"
Coordinator: Danielle Calhoun

Yi Lu was born in Sichuan, China, but grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. Currently a senior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Illinois, Yi is a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar with Honor. He is on the student-run board of Exodus, a campus service organization devoted to refugees, and tutors refugee children every Wednesday at a local church. He has conducted chemosensory research at the Smell and Taste Research and Treatment Foundation, and is currently pursuing independent inquiries in sociolinguistics and Israel's military history. Yi enjoys coffee and has regained his passion for reading from long train rides. He will attend Stanford University in the fall of 2007.

"Suffer the Children"
Coordinator: Amanda I. Holman

Born in Connecticut and raised in South Florida, Rosalyn has lived in Carmel, Indiana for the past three years. She is currently a senior at Carmel High School, and each year has been a Top 25 Scholar Award Winner in her class of about 1,000 students. She enjoys reading and writing about a variety of topics, and received the 2006 National Council of Teachers of English (NTCE) Achievement Award in Writing. She is also very active in her school's health center, having been a student volunteer for the last two years. Rosalyn will be attending Butler University in the fall, where she has been awarded both the Presidential and Liberal Arts School English Department Scholarships, and will be studying English and Secondary Education.

"Treating Invisible Wounds: Rehabilitating Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka"
Coordinator: Tyson Smith

As a junior attending West High School in Iowa City, IA, Audrey enjoys running on her school's nationally ranked cross-country team, working as the design editor for her school paper, and participating in the Student Senate. Outside of school, she enjoys keeping up with international affairs as well as local ones. She chairs a city commission, works on a teen advisory board at her library, volunteers at the local youth center, and assists with the city's cultural events. This summer Audrey will be traveling to Europe, working at her city's Chamber of Commerce, and interning at her local Congressman's office. Of course, Audrey is also eagerly anticipating the NPEC program and is sure it will be the highlight of her summer.

"Turning Away from Destruction"
Coordinator: Julie A. Miller

Nash is a sophomore honor roll student at Lawrence Free State High School in Lawrence, Kansas. He is a member of the varsity track team and junior varsity soccer team. He also plays club soccer for the Kansas City Rush. He is on the Debate team, Model United Nations, the Cultural Heritage Panel, and the STAT (Students Teaching About Tobacco) program. In his spare time, Nash plays the electric guitar and the bagpipes. This June he will receive the Bronze Congressional Award.

"Child Soldiers in Conflict in Sri Lanka and Sierra Leone: Saving the Children through Comprehensive Reintegration Programs"
Coordinator: Ms. Diana Timmerding

Sarah lives in Lakeside Park, Kentucky, near Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a junior at Notre Dame Academy, where she is an honor student and has received several high school scholarships. Extracurricular activities are a large part of Sarah's life: she is a member of the Varsity Academic Team and has received high honors in Arts and Humanities testing at competitions. Her interests include singing and acting. She performs in school musicals and in the Singing Dames Choir. Outside of school, she plays the piano and is a brown belt in karate. She also recently graduated from the Regional Youth Leadership Program. On weekends, she volunteers at a local nursing home as Sunday music minister, and also lends her time to an elementary school and to the Inner City Outings program. This summer, Sarah will be attending the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program.

"Reintegration in Somalia and the DRC"
Coordinator: Garrett M. Rosen

Frem Reggie lives in Crowley, Louisiana and is an 11th grade honor student at the Episcopal School of Acadiana in Cade, Louisiana. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Society of High School Scholars, and the National Achievement Academy. He is also a member of the student council and a member of his high school's basketball team, and has been named an All-State baseball player. He has spent summers at Choate Rosemary Hall prep school in Wallingford, CT, at a Louisiana Youth Seminar in Baton Rouge, LA, and working as a page in the United States Senate in Washington DC, where he was named Head Page. This summer he will spend two weeks in China with LeadAmerica studying Chinese culture, economics and government. He is active in community service projects through Solomon House and school service organizations. 

"Wounds Too Deep To Heal: Saving a Generation of Youth in War-Torn Uganda"
Coordinator: Nancy L. Lamontagne

A junior at Waterville High School, Cara has a strong interest in international studies and human rights. She is vice president of Interact, a community service club at her school, and has organized fundraisers for Young Souls Academy in Mamfe, Ghana, where she volunteered this past summer. Cara hopes to pursue her passion for service and third world development after high school. She plans to take a gap year to travel to Africa and volunteer, and to study international relations and social change in college.

"Multilateral Strategies To Save The World's Posterity From Conflict"
Coordinator: Chao Wang

Albert is a junior at Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland. He is the online editor of the school newspaper, maintaining the www.gilmannews.com website and occasionally writing articles. Albert is also the president of his school's Model United Nations club. As president, he helps people write resolutions and he interprets international relations. At school, his favorite classes include history and science. In addition to his studies, Albert is planning a fundraising campaign for the Darfur genocide. In his spare time he works on web design and practices cello and piano. In college, Albert plans to pursue a subject relating to science and possibly politics. He is mostly undecided about the future, but he hopes that his work will someday be able to aid the poor in less developed countries. Albert also loves writing papers that are exactly the maximum length.

"Educating Children To End Violence"
Coordinator: John Fawcett

A sophomore at Andover High School in Andover, MA, David is a high honor student who boasts a 4.0 GPA. Active in sports, he plays for his high school soccer team and volunteers with the local youth soccer program. In addition, he is a member of the debate club, the math team, and the Board of Directors. David also plays the piano and cello in his free time. Some of his accomplishments include a perfect score on the National Latin Exam, participating in the 2005-2007 Global Challenge, and receiving an honorable mention in Northeastern University's 2007 Political Science Essay Contest. Additionally, he received nominations for the National Young Leaders Conference in both medicine and politics. As a freshman, David also represented his school in the National Law Day oratorical contest. He enjoys public speaking and one day hopes to work on Wall Street.

"Preventing the Involvement of Youths in Violent Conflict"
Coordinator: Zalikiani Nana

Tamara is a senior at Rochester High School and salutatorian of her graduating class. In the fall of 2007, she will attend Johns Hopkins University, where she plans to major in biology or biomedical engineering. Tamara was born in Kutaisi, Georgia and lived in Moscow until she was ten years old, at which point she moved to the United States. She speaks fluent Georgian, Russian, French and English. She is an AP Scholar with honors, recipient of the National Merit Scholarship, and the recipient of the National Commemorative Certificate from the United States Achievement Academy.

"Proposition for the Rehabilitation of Child Soldiers"
Coordinator: Eidem A. Denise

As a junior at Elk River High School, Donald is a member of the National Honor Society and Interact, a service organization connected to Rotary International. He plays trombone in the high school band and the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony (GTCYS). He also recently had the opportunity to play for Confirmation in his church, where he is a member of the youth choir and a peer minister. Donald also participates in cross-country running, Nordic skiing, and track, in which he has lettered and made many friends. After high school, Donald plans to study history and political science and to attend law school.

"The New Horizons Program - Helping the World's Youth Avoid Violent Conflict"
Coordinator: Greg S. Williams

After his graduation from Florence High School, Steven plans to attend Mississippi State University to study political science. After college, he plans to go to law school and to pursue a career in public service and politics. At Florence, Steven serves as class president and captain of the soccer team, cross country team, academic team, and math and science team. He is also involved in the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, the Spanish Club, and the Drama Club. In his community, Steven is a member of Rankin County Youth Leadership, serves as a youth soccer referee, and is an active member and worship leader of the FBC Florence youth group. Steven has been selected as Mississippi's Wendy's High School Heisman scholar-athlete of the year, a Mississippi Governor's School Scholar, FHS's Star Student, Mr. FHS, and a Mississippi All-Star Soccer Player.

"Dire Consequences Result From Exploiting Children "
Coordinator: Ms. Heidi G. Hays

Student has not submitted a bio.

"Let Us Begin"
Coordinator: Laura M. Ross

Elizabeth is a junior at Billings Senior High in Billings, Montana, but plans to attend college on the east coast. Her interests include law, history, and international relations. She is president of the Spanish Club and a member of Business Professionals of America, Trading Cards (an anti-alcohol and drug program), Senior Advocates (a mentoring program), and the National Honor Society. She lives an active lifestyle, playing baseball, soccer, and biking. She recently completed the biking leg of the Peaks to Prairie Triathlon. Last summer, she and her twin sister won the Best in the State Award at National History Day. She enjoys working at her family's apple orchard, backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains, and shopping. She loves to travel, and has visited Costa Rica and Spain with her school's Spanish Department. Liz loves learning and trying new things.

"Innocents Lost: The Children of War"
Coordinator: Chad P. Krier

Megan is Senior Class President and a member of the Social Justice Club at Duchesne Academy. A multi-talented athlete and artist, she has participated in softball, basketball, and soccer at Duchesne, has received several awards for her photography and artwork, and enjoys composing her own music. Megan was also recently inducted into her school's cum laude society, having recorded consistently excellent academic performance. When not relaxing with music, books or movies, Megan enjoys working the ice cream scoop at Ted and Wally's.

"Seeking Refuge: Children In War"
Coordinator: Brian P. Moore

Matthew is a sophomore attending Virtual High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, where his courses include Advanced Placement European History and World History. He has won academic awards in history, world geography, and language arts. His middle school also awarded him the John C. Vanderburg Memorial Award, given to the student who best displays the virtues of leadership, dedication and perseverance. This summer Matthew will be attending the Summer Advanced Gifted Education program at UNLV, where he will study European Politics. He has a strong interest in history, world affairs, literature, and writing, and plans to pursue a career in writing and filmmaking.

"Peacekeepers of Tomorrow"
Coordinator: Steven A. Rodrick

Lauren is currently a junior at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire, where she is currently earning her Pinkerton Honors Diploma. She is a captain and three-year veteran of the varsity cross-country team and a competitor in outdoor track. When Lauren is not enjoying obscure music and British television, she can often be found writing, running, or volunteering. As a Member of New Hampshire Peace Action, PrioritiesNH and the American Friends Service Committee, she is working to establish a Peace Club at her high school. Lauren is a member of the National Honor Society, and was recently invited to the Junior Statesmen of America program. She aspires to major in political science and find a career where she can work for world peace.

"When Peace Arrives"
Coordinator: Eve J. Mensch

Jon lives in Ridgewood, New Jersey, where he attends Ridgewood High School. He leads his school's Young Democrats club, and plays varsity tennis. He is also an active member of Ridgewood's political debate club, and recently won the Society of Professional Journalists High School Essay Contest for New Jersey. During the fall of 2006 Jon volunteered for the campaign of his local congressional candidate, and takes full responsibility for an eight-point rise in the candidate's ratings (although of course the candidate's eventual defeat had nothing to do with him). He does not know where he will attend college, but knows that he will not be majoring in mathematics. He hopes to become a writer, as most lawyers do when they are young.

No winner was selected for New Mexico. We strongly encourage teachers and students from New Mexico to participate in next year's contest.

"Building a future: the holistic approach to the reintegration of child soldiers"
Coordinator: Wang Xinhui

Cathy is currently attending Williamsville East High School, near Buffalo, New York. She is the editor-in-chief of both her school newspaper The East Side and the school yearbook, The Spark, and thus spends most of her time devoted to these two passions. In her free time, Cathy enjoys singing opera, painting and drawing, and watching the news. She’s also rather obsessed with reading Russian literature and thinking about national identity in a somewhat introspective way. She interns at Hillary Clinton’s office in Buffalo, and plans to study at Harvard University in the fall.

"Child Soldiers in Uganda and Sierra Leone"
Coordinator: Ms. Pamela Heyl

Christine is a senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. Theater is her passion, and she has enjoyed acting in school, community and professional productions throughout her high school career. She is a National Merit Commended Student and a member of the National Honor Society. Her favorite subjects are literature, history and philosophy. In the fall, Christine plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.

No winner was selected for North Dakota. We strongly encourage teachers and students from North Dakota to participate in next year's contest.

"Somalia and Nazi Germany: Reintegrating Violent Youth Into a Peaceful Society"
Coordinator: Ms. Anita Conkel

Erin is Vice-President of the Student Council and Senior Class Secretary at Amanda Clearcreek High School. She is also the Secretary of her school's National Honor Society chapter, a member of the Science club, and a participant in the Stay Tobacco-Free Athlete Mentor Program--where she actively mentors students in tobacco prevention. Outside of school, she holds not one but two part-time jobs: waitressing at a local pizzeria and helping run the family Christmas Tree farm. She will graduate as co-valedictorian and attend Otterbein College in Westerville, OH, majoring in Art with a concentration in Visual Communication and Photography.

"Let Them Be Children"
Coordinator: Mr. Eric Fox

A sophomore at Jenks High School, Rachel is a model student-athlete. She is constantly running, whether it be down the halls to class or with the varsity cross-country team. This past year, Rachel was part of the 2006 5A State Champion Cross-Country team. Playing the piano is also one of her many passions. Outside of school, she is very active in her youth group, where she enjoys leading worship. Leadership is another prominent part of Rachel's life, and she is active in the Jenks Student Council, National Honor Society, and the United Methodist Leadership Camp C.Y.M.E. After high school she plans to attend college and further explore God's will for her life. As she continues to aspire in all aspects of her life, she strives to reflect her lord and savior, Jesus Christ, to whom she gives all the glory.

"The Beginning of Resolution"
Coordinator: Ms. Martha J. Karlin

From Portland, Oregon, Sarah eats current events magazines for breakfast and sings to the radio on her morning commute to Valley Catholic High School. As a junior, she is involved in the Book Club, the Outdoor Club, and the National Honor Society. She loves to volunteer, try new things, and learn about the world. In the fall, Sarah plays soccer for her school and in the spring she runs track. Sarah also loves snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, and kayaking. This year she is hoping to take up surfing for the first time off Oregon's coast. An advocate for exchange programs, Sarah spent all of last July with a host family in the small Spanish town of Vejer de la Frontera. Fascinated with subjects like global studies, psychology, neurology, world religions, literature, and foreign languages, Sarah wants to be an author, journalist or teacher after she graduates from college.

"Total War : An Analysis of Child Soldiery "
Coordinator: Séamus McGuinness

Rebecca is a Transition Year student at Presentation Secondary School in Galway, Ireland. She would have been a junior at A.J. Dimond High School in Anchorage, Alaska, but instead chose to take the year on an exchange to Ireland. She is an avid writer and history enthusiast, especially in the history of the Celtic peoples. Politics and political philosophy are also areas of great interest to her, and she hopes to advance in next year's American Legion Oratorical Contest. Rebecca is also a varsity swimmer at Diamond High, where she will continue to improve her skills once she returns from Ireland. After graduation, she aspires to either attend Rice University or to return to Ireland to study at Trinity College, Dublin. One of her greatest ambitions is to become fluent "as Gaeilge" (in Irish), though she knows she has a very long way to go. Éirinn agus Gaillimh abú!

"Saving Children from Combat: Lessons from Mozambique and Sierra Leone "
Coordinator: Xiaohong Wang

Elise attends Fox Chapel High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she is co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and captain of the debate and fencing teams. Active in her community, she volunteers her time in a local women's shelter and co-founded her school chapter of the gay-straight alliance. Her writing has been previously awarded the Grand Prize in the National Endowment for the Humanities' "Idea of America" Essay contest, as well as several local honors. She is an avid Lincoln-Douglas debater, winning the Pennsylvania State Championship and finishing her senior year undefeated locally. She has also played classical piano for twelve years. In her free time, Elise writes poetry and short fiction, attempts to cook ethnic Chinese cuisine, and waits expectantly for the final Harry Potter novel. She hopes to work in international development after studying International Relations and Economics at Harvard University beginning this fall.

"Rwanda and Israel: Different Cases of Child Soldier Usage with Different Implications for the Futures of their Youth"
Coordinator: Lenke H. Wood

Hannah is a junior at Moses Brown School in Providence, RI. She is a three-season varsity runner, an editor for her school newspaper, and a member of her school's Student Alumni Association. She teaches Sunday School and Hebrew School at her temple. Hannah is also very involved with community service, having served as a member of her school's Community Service Board and volunteered at the local Boys and Girls Club for three years. This summer she will spend seven weeks in Ghana, building teacher housing for a school in the remote Upper Volta region. Hannah plans to major in International Relations in college and to have some sort of job that involves global affairs and bettering her community.

"’At an age where some children learn to read...’"
Coordinator: Ms. Jan P. McCarthy

A graduating senior at Irmo High School, Kayla will be attending the College of Charleston next year as an honors student, studying business and French. For now, Kayla is the copy editor of her school's student newspaper and co-captain of the debate team. She was a quarterfinalist in the Lincoln-Douglas debate at the South Carolina State Competition. She is also a member of Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and the French National Honor Society. She has been listed in the National Honor Roll and Who's Who Among American High School Students. Outside of school, Kayla studies classical guitar.

"Youth Despair: The Three-Pronged Approach to Peace"
Coordinator: Ms. Ann M. Trucano

Sonya is a senior at St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City. She is looking forward to graduating and has decided to attend the University of Dayton in Ohio. Prompted by her love of reading and writing, Sonya has declared herself an English major and aspires to one day be a journalist, writer, and teacher. Throughout high school she has been an active member in her favorite clubs and organizations, namely the Art Club, French Club, and National Honor Society. Her beloved pastimes include reading, listening to oldies music, writing, going to Mass, painting, and sleeping. Sonya wishes to express gratitude to her English teachers and to the members of the United States Institute of Peace who have made her participation in the National Peace Essay Contest possible.

"Lord of the Flies: A Comparative Study of Child Soldier Challenges and Responses in Colombia and Liberia "
Coordinator: Fielden C. Kevin

Kyle is a resident of Kingsport, Tennessee; he will graduate from Dobyns-Bennett High School in May 2007. A National Merit Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, Kyle was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by his senior class. For over a decade, Kyle has been involved with youth soccer as a player, volunteer, and referee; he currently holds licenses from both USSF and TSSAA. Kyle is currently a regional director for Junior Statesmen of America He is also the captain of his school's Academic team, which has qualified for the national tournament for two consecutive years. Some of Kyle's academic interests include private military corporations, strategic military organization and procurement, and economic diplomacy. Starting in fall 2007, Kyle will be a McNair Scholar at the University of South Carolina.

"Revitalization"
Coordinator: Ms. Patricia Cain

Andy was born and raised in Houston, Texas. A part of the class of 2008 at Pasadena Memorial High School, he is a member of HOSA, the National Honor Society, and the Spanish Honor Society. He enjoys playing the clarinet, violin, and piano and is part of both the marching band and the wind ensemble. Andy also continues to study Mandarin at the Chinese Community Center and competes in a variety of venues. His hobbies include reading, listening to jazz, and playing basketball. After high school and college, Andy plans to enter the medical field.

"Victims of Lost Hope: Child Soldiers of the Philippines and Colombia"
Coordinator: Ingur Lee

Anita lives in the small village of San Roque, on the island of Saipan, the capital island of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The first person from the CNMI to win this essay contest, Anita attends the Marianas Baptist Academy. She has been class president for the last three years and is assistant editor of the school newspaper. She represents her school as a Senator in the CNMI Youth Congress, and is a three-time competitor in the CNMI Mock Trial Championship. Her team has placed second twice, and she has received the "Most Effective Prosecutor" award. Anita is an active participant in the National Forensic League (NFL). This summer, she will be representing the CNMI in the Lincoln-Douglas debate at the NFL Nationals in Wichita, Kansas.

"Helping the Youth"
Coordinator: Mr. Steven G. Player

Shadell Smith lives in Richfield, Utah and attends Richfield High School, where she has received awards in French, Spanish, Science, Math, and Art. She is on the honor roll and has been part of the State Swim Competition and the All-State Choir for two years, and delights in participating in all the school plays, chorus numbers, and assemblies.. She also works with disabled students at Richmond, volunteers doing highway and park clean-up, and teaches others to swim. After high school, Shadell plans to go to college for two years and then university for four years, majoring in education and business.

"Passion and Dispossession: Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone and Palestine"
Coordinator: Ms. Alice Rodgers

Ben is a junior at Green Mountain Valley School, a ski academy in rural Vermont. While he spends countless hours training on the ski slopes, Ben has discovered a variety of interests and extracurricular endeavors that could potentially take him far away from snow. Among these newfound interests are the performing arts (a role in the musical Urinetown), student government (helping to bring public transportation to his somewhat isolated campus), and international studies (Ben plans to take courses in international relations and Arabic this summer). Despite the fact that his small school (only 20 students in the graduating class) does not offer AP courses, varsity teams, and other activities available at larger high schools, Ben has found many outlets to diversify his education and channel his passions.

Virginia
Anirudh Saraswathula | Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology | Alexandria, Virginia

"Youth and Violent Conflict"
Coordinator: Ms. Laurie Kobick

Anirudh is a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia. He plans to study either medicine or biotechnology after high school. At school he is actively involved in Model United Nations, which sparked his interest in international relations. He also plays tennis, is an accomplished vocalist in Indian Classical Music, and is a first degree black belt in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate. He will soon be testing for his second degree. He has done a research project for the U.S. Air Force on the environmental impact of certain jet engine exhaust chemicals. He regularly volunteers at his local library and Hindu temple.

"Opening the Window"
Coordinator: David E. Conrad

Mike is a senior at Woodinville High School in Kirkland, Washington. He has been an active member of the Model United Nations club, serving as co-president, and was recently chosen as a National Merit Finalist. He was also a member of his school's DECA chapter, and took first place in regional competition for an ad campaign event. He volunteers regularly with the Jewish Family Services food bank in Seattle, helping to provide food for homeless persons. In the fall, Mike will begin his freshman year at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. He plans to major in either marketing or finance, with a minor in economics. Afterwards, he would like to earn an MBA in international business.

"Child Soldiers and Their Reintegration into Society"
Coordinator: Mr. William L. Brubaker

Zachary attends The Linsly School, where he is the editor of both the yearbook and the newspaper. He volunteers at the area hospital and at a local soup kitchen, and founded a Soup Kitchen Club at his school in order to get more students involved in the community. He is also the secretary of his school's Forensics team; this year they placed fifth at the West Virginia State Speech Tournament. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the German Honor Society. After high school, Zak plans to study political science and law while playing collegiate-level golf.

"Fire from Banlieue to Favela: Riots and Youth Conflict in France and Rio de Janeiro"
Coordinator: Katherine Katter

Maya lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, attending an arts-focused public high school in the inner city. Music has played a central role in her education, as she studies it two hours a day in school. For the past three years, Maya has double-majored in Jazz and Classical Violin, and is mentored by a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In addition to the arts, Maya is a dedicated scholar who is enrolled in Advanced Placement classes and is an active member of her school's National Honor Society. She is eagerly anticipating her NHS student-organized volunteer event this year: a 3-mile walk benefiting the victims of genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Maya is also a Scholar Athlete and Varsity Captain of the cross-country team and plays midfield on her school's varsity soccer team. She will be a senior next year and hopes to study Creative Writing, Foreign Affairs and History in college.

"Overcoming Lives of Violence for Our Youth"
Coordinator: Barbara Ostermann

Brandon lives on his family's ranch, twenty miles south of Ten Sleep, Wyoming (pop. 304). He, along with his brother and sister, is part of the fourth generation of his family to live there. As a senior at the local high school he participates in basketball, football, track and field, Change Attitudes Now, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America (FFA), the Student Council, National Honor Society, and Skills USA. He loves football and has recently received recognition as a "Six-Man Illustrated" All-American Linebacker and a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete. After high school, Brandon plans to attend the University of Wyoming and major in mechanical engineering. Growing up on the ranch has taught him the benefits of hard work, determination, and patience. The philosophies generated from living and working on the ranch has generated a unique outlook on life, and helps Brandon to understand how everything is interconnected.