Now in its third year, OUTLOOK magazine hosts the High School Student Writers Contest, providing young writers across the Mid-America Union with an opportunity to share their experiences and insights about Adventist education. This contest encourages students to reflect on the value of their education and inspire others through their words.
Recognizing Outstanding Student Writers
This year’s first-place winner, Nolice Matumano from Sunnydale Adventist Academy, captured the essence of Adventist education in his article, THE IMPACT OF ADVENTIST EDUCATION ON MY LIFE. His writing demonstrated creativity, clarity, and strong organization while incorporating both academic and spiritual sources. Nolice will receive a $300 scholarship toward his education at Sunnydale and a $200 Amazon gift card. His article, which can be read here, was featured in the 2025 January issue of OUTLOOK magazine.
Our second-place winner, Damaris Lopez-Morquecho from Campion Academy, reflected on her lifelong experience attending Adventist schools and the sacrifices her parents made for her education. Her heartfelt story aims to encourage other students to consider an Adventist education. Damaris shared,
My parents were so surprised when I won. When I called to tell my mom, she didn’t believe me at first. I had to translate the email for them [in Spanish], but once they understood, they were so happy and proud.
As the second-place winner, Damaris will receive a $200 scholarship and a $100 Amazon gift card. Her article, which can be read here, will appear in the 2025 February issue of OUTLOOK magazine.
The Value of Adventist Education
For many students, attending an Adventist school is more than an academic choice—it’s a life-changing experience. This contest challenges students to explore why Adventist education matters, how it has impacted their lives, and how it has strengthened their connection to faith.
Past winners include Jesse Campbell from College View Academy (2022), Annika Swanson-Lane from Maplewood Academy, and Camron Miranda from Midland Adventist Academy (2023). These students, like Nolice and Damaris, have used their writing to highlight the transformative power of Adventist education.
Contest Details and Prizes
The first-place winner receives a $200 Amazon gift card and a $300 scholarship toward an Adventist school for the Spring 2026 semester. The second-place winner receives a $100 Amazon gift card and a $200 scholarship toward their Adventist education. Winning articles are featured in the January and February issues of OUTLOOK magazine.
To enter, students must submit their article and a corresponding photo to Brenda Dickerson, OUTLOOK editor. The deadline for submissions is September 29, 2025.
The OUTLOOK High School Student Writers Contest is an opportunity for students to share their stories, strengthen their writing skills, and inspire others. In the future, we are considering adding middle school students to expand this opportunity to even more young writers. If you are a high school student in the Mid-America Union, consider submitting your work for the next contest. Your story could encourage another student to experience the life-changing benefits of Adventist education.
If you would like to learn more about Adventist education or how you can shape the future of education in the heartland, visit midamericaadventist.org/joineduteam.
