When it comes to advocating for the rights of children, the world is always going to challenge us. It will give us the hardest cases and the most extreme hypotheticals to put our values to the test. It will tell us that our beliefs are outdated, unreasonable, or even worthy of ridicule. But we recognize the child in the womb for what he or she is: a human being. Not a potential human. Not a choice. Not a problem to be solved.

In this, the inaugural Fight for the Family Essay Contest, we invite high school and college students in Utah to write about what it means to be unashamed as an advocate for the sanctity of life. Writers should imagine that their essays will be presented to an audience of individuals who are hesitant to be actively involved in the pro-life cause. They should make a clear, thoughtful, and persuasive case for why it’s important to be vocal, bold, and unashamed in defending the rights of the unborn and transforming our culture to one that values life, cherishes children, and supports mothers.

Strong essays can take a variety of approaches. Writers may draw upon personal experiences, reflect on one’s own service and advocacy, examine cultural issues more broadly, or make an argumentative case in defense of a thesis. We leave it intentionally broad to welcome creativity and invite writers to play to their own strengths.

Judging Criteria:

Essays will be judged by how well they make a persuasive case for individuals to be active in the pro-life cause and make a meaningful connection to the theme of being "unashamed". Additionally, our judges are looking for:

• Strong organization, clarity, and polished writing. (MLA formatting is suggested, but not required).

• Evidence of personal initiative, service, courage, or example in strengthening families or preparing to build one.

• Originality, depth of thought, and effective use of evidence or experience. (When citing sources, use in-text citations or include a brief works cited page if necessary.)

• Conciseness, keeping the final word count (not including the title, biographical information, or the optional works cited page) under 850 words.

Prizes:

• The first place winner receives $1,000 and the opportunity to read their essay at the Utah March for Life on January 16, 2027 in Salt Lake City.
• The second place winner receives $750.
• The third place winner receives $500.
• Exceptional essays, including the winners, may be published in The Cougar Chronicle as guest pieces at the discretion of the editorial board. Authors will be contacted prior to publication.