<h2>Student Essay Contest</h2>
The Virginia School Boards Association is holding a personal essay/speaking contest where the finalists will have an opportunity to present before an audience of more than 300 school board members and administrators at the 2023 VSBA Conference on Education held at the Hilton Richmond Hotel &amp; Spa at Short Pump on July 13, 2023.

This is the third year the Virginia School Boards Association will hold this contest with hope that this contest will bring out the very best in students’ writing and speaking efforts to allow our attendees to witness examples of the bright, thoughtful, and accomplished students from around the Commonwealth. <strong>This year's topic is The Meaning of Civility.</strong>

Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous sponsor, the top finalist will receive a $500 scholarship. Submissions are open to all Virginia public high school students (grades 9-12) as a great opportunity to share their unique voices as well as compete for funds to further their education.

For more information on the contest and complete guidelines please view the guidebook attached.

For questions, please contact <a href="communications@vsba.org">communications@vsba.org.</a>

<strong>The deadline to submit for the 2023 Student Essay Contest is Friday, May 5, 2023 at 4 pm.</strong>

For more information on the contest and complete guidelines please view the guidebook <a href="https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-Student-Essay-Contest-Guide_rev.pdf">here</a>.

<strong>The 2022 VSBA Student Essay Contest Winners are Miss. Courtney Begoon, Miss. Isabel Gonzales, and Miss. Nainika Sompallie!</strong>

<strong>You can view Courtney's Speech in the below video!</strong>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bQj8FjW3ULE" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<strong>You can view Isabel's Speech in the below video!</strong>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f3SerypJad4" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<strong>You can view Nainika's Speech in the below video!</strong>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7YtzajZK9MI" width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>