Laws of Life essay winners reflect on lessons learned

A variety of events — from participating in sports to going on
mission trips, to helping grandparents or facing challenges as
diverse as fires and mental illness — have helped local teens learn
the laws by which they intend to lead their lives.

The winners of the 14th annual Laws of Life essay contest were
honored at a dinner Tuesday evening at LeTourneau University in an
event sponsored by the Longview News-Journal and the
university.

The overall first-place winner, Austin Gray, of Sabine High
School, wrote about the lessons his father taught him while playing
golf, which apply to much more than a game on the greens. The
second-place winner, Josh Hood, of White Oak High School, wrote
about the friendship he formed while on a mission trip to China and
the importance adoption has played in his family’s life.

“I was surprised to win first place and nervous when I had to
read my essay in front of so many people,” Gray said. “However, I
think it’s great that we have a contest like this and appreciate
the support of my parents and teachers.”

Gray hopes to major in computer science in college and said he
wants to continue to make golf part of his life. He was awarded a
$5,000 scholarship.

Hood said that winning second place was wonderful and that he’s
glad he had the opportunity to go to China and have the experience
that inspired his essay. For his efforts, Hood took home a $4,000
scholarship.

Winners in various categories received a combined total of
$17,000 in scholarships to colleges and universities in Northeast
Texas.

Steve Condon, vice president for enrollment services at
LeTourneau University, praised the contestants’ brilliant writing
efforts and said that writing remains an important part of our
culture.

“Writing well leads to thinking well,” Condon said. “Text is the
lifeblood of the information economy.”

Tom Stamper, publisher of the Longview News-Journal and
president of East Texas Community Newspapers, said he was impressed
with the skills of the students.

“These students have shown an extraordinary ability to write
about important events in their lives,” Stamper said.

Students who received Excellence in Writing Awards at the dinner
are: Bradley Jones, Christian Heritage School; Alyssa Arrington,
Gilmer High School; Preston Green Jr., Longview High School; Rachel
Schulik, Pine Tree High School; and Hailey Bowen, Union Grove High
School. They each received $1,000 scholarships.

All students who participated in the contest are juniors in high
school.

The winning essays are printed in today’s paper.