APEC Hawaii Sponsors High School Essay Contest

By Sonia Isotov

One lucky high school student will enjoy an opportunity to hear President Obama speak when he attends the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit later this year.

The APEC 2011 Hawaii Host Committee, in partnership with the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) and the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), is sponsoring the APEC 2011 High School Essay Contest, an opportunity for Hawaii high school students in grades 9-12 to take part in APEC Leaders’ Week this November.

The contest asks applicants to submit an essay of up to 750 words answering the question “Why is sustainability important to you, Hawaii and APEC?” Five winners will be selected and provided exclusive access to the APEC CEO Summit for a chance to hear President Obama address attendees.

“The youth essay contest is an outstanding way to engage our local youth and provide them with a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of APEC,” said Peter Ho, Hawaii Host Committee Chair, in a written statement. “Being able to present five of Hawaii’s high school students with the opportunity to hear from world leaders and global CEOs is one of the many benefits APEC has brought to our community.” 

A total of five essays will be selected by a committee based on the level of reader engagement and interest, content, organization and mechanics, and style. Winning student authors will also receive an Apple iPad and have their essays placed on the APEC Hawaii Host Committee website. Winners residing on the neighbor islands will be provided with airfare and ground transportation to the APEC CEO Summit by the Host Committee.

Students interested in applying for the APEC 2011 High School Essay Contest can contact:

HAIS:    Ryan Masa at [email protected] or call (808) 973-1533
DOE:    Rosanna Fukuda at [email protected] or call (808) 203-5539

Essays, and all subsequent documents, much be submitted by Sept. 16, 2011. The winning entries will be announced on Oct. 3, 2011.