Th is I Believe is an annual essay contest for high school seniors produced by NPR Illinois. Modeled after the program started by radio journalist Edward R. Murrow in 1951, students are invited to write an essay sharing their own personal beliefs.
This year, 245 students within the NPR Illinois listening area submitted essays – the most ever. Twelve reviewers each read a group of essays and scored them based on originality, positivity and being personal and compelling. Judges then reviewed and discussed the highestrated essays to select the 2024 top 10 essays. High school seniors in Springfi eld and many communities throughout the NPR Illinois listening area submitted essays.
This year’s winners are from Springfi eld, Southeast, Williamsville, Rochester, Hillsboro and Litchfi eld high schools and Meridian High School in Blue Mound. This is the 19th year for This I Believe. The Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise has been a partner from the beginning, providing a cash award to the 10 winners. This year each student will receive $300, thanks to donations from the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise and the Illinois Principals Association.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) hosted the culminating event on Nov. 6, where students read their essays. Additional sponsors this year are Illinois Times, University of Illinois Springfield and Cured Catering.
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This article appears in This I believe Illinois.
