The New Mexico Association of Non-public Schools (NMANS) has announced the launch of an essay competition for middle and high school students.
According to NMANS, participants are invited to respond to one of three prompts concerning how their school's culture, community, or philosophy has influenced their success, sense of belonging, or understanding of important life values. Each school is permitted to submit up to three essays for both middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). The essays must be typed, no longer than 300 words, use a 12-point Arial font, and include a separate cover sheet with the student's name, grade, and school.
Winners will have their essays published on the NMANS website and receive gift cards: $75 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. Essays must be emailed to nmansinfo@gmail.com by December 1. Winners will be announced by December 16. Parents, students, and schools must agree to the publication of winning essays.
"Too often we do not take time for reflection in our busy school schedules," said NMANS Executive Director Bob Ippel. "How often do students articulate the gift that their education is to them? This writing opportunity also gives students a chance to hone their writing skills knowing that they are writing for a greater audience." Ippel added that they hope teachers will consider incorporating this opportunity into their writing curriculum.
The New Mexico Association of Nonpublic Schools was founded in 1973 and is affiliated with the Council for American Private Education. It is a nonprofit organization supporting the independence of New Mexico’s non-public schools through advocacy, collaboration, and public engagement. The association aims to defend educational diversity, support parental choice, facilitate communication among educational institutions and agencies, and promote shared responsibility for quality education across both public and non-public sectors. A significant achievement came in 2018 when the New Mexico Supreme Court upheld state textbook funding for non-public schools. NMANS includes 19 member schools and serves a broader network of approximately 140 private schools across New Mexico.
