The 2024 Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia (CSCGP) recently celebrated the writers of the annual Teen Essay Contest and Higher Education Grant, generously sponsored by the Ben Stauss Youth Program.
This contest provides a platform for young writers to share their perspectives on cancer and its impact. The essays cover a range of topics, from personal experiences to reflections on the broader implications of cancer.
The contest, open to middle, high school and beyond students, received an overwhelming response with 38 local submissions showcasing the creativity, resilience, and empathy of the next generation.
The judging panel, composed of esteemed individuals dedicated to supporting youth and cancer awareness, carefully reviewed each submission to select the winners.
The winners of the 2024 Ben Strauss Teen Essay Contests are as follows:
Middle School:
- Maura – Abington Middle School
- Corrine – Sandy Run Middle School
- Roman – Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School
High School:
- Carmen – Cheltenham High School
- Marisa – Holicong Middle School
- Madeline – William Tennent High School
Ben Strauss Higher Education Grant:
First Place:
- Lauren – University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Second Place:
- Abigail – Bucks County Community College
- Julia – Villanova University
- Izabel – Lehigh University
Third Place:
- Samantha – University of Delaware
- Daniel – West Chester University of Pennsylvania
To read all of the submissions, please visit https://cancersupportphiladelphia.org/childrens-teens/
In Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, CSCGP offers free psychosocial and educational services to people with cancer, their family members, and friends.
From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, licensed mental health professionals facilitate evidence-based counseling and support groups, as well as healthy lifestyle classes and social gatherings for adults and children alike.
To learn more, please visit Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia https://cancersupportphiladelphia.org or call 215-441-3290.
PHOTO CAP: Winners of 2024 Ben Strauss Teen Essay Contest hold their certificates of recognition.