APA's 2006-07 High School Essay Contest

Minnesota Senior Takes First Prize

APA is pleased to announce Sarah Schewe of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, as the winner of the 2006-07 High School Essay Contest. Her essay, "Affordable Housing Plan for Eden Prairie, Minnesota," was chosen from among more than 200 outstanding entries from students across the United States. 

Schewe, a senior at the Blake School in Minneapolis, offered a convincing argument for converting five acres of vacant land into a housing development to meet the growing needs of Eden Prairie. Her solution includes multifamily housing with handicap-accessible features, a mix of market-rate and affordable housing units, co-op day care, and preservation of existing wetland and green space.

Click here to read Sarah Schewe's winning essay

Awards

As the overall winner, Schewe receives a $5,000 scholarship to the university or college of her choice, a one-year subscription to APA's Planning magazine, and a $100 gift certificate to APA's PlanningBooks.com store. Additionally, Schewe can attend one of APA's National Planning Conferences for free.

Ten students received honorable mentions for their essays and each will receive a one-year subscription to APA's Planning magazine and a $100 gift certificate to APA's Planningbooks.com store. Students receiving honorable mentions are:

Kelsey Anderson, Kailua High School, Kailua, Hawaii
Colleen Bianco, Avon Grove High School, Landenberg, Pennsylvania
Josephine Deahl, True North Home School, San Antonio, Texas
Cady Fontana, Ithaca High School, Ithaca, New York
Chelsea Garner, Choctawhatchee High School, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Karim Hassanein, Cairo American College, Cairo, Egypt
Maryl Moilov, Palos Verdes High School, Rancho Palo Verdes, California
Daniel Montelongo, J.M Hanks High School, El Paso, Texas
Allison Parker, Clark College, Vancouver, Washington
Gavin Wandrey, Kenston High School, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

The essays were judged by a panel of planning and education professionals on research and analysis, creativity and quality of the development proposal, and writing quality and organization.

Contest Objective

APA's goal in sponsoring this annual contest is to encourage high school students across the country to address some of the critical planning issues that are facing their own communities today. By responding to a challenging essay question, we hope that students will:

• Deepen their understanding of their own community;
• Learn how planning is part of the democratic process through which Americans can create communities of lasting value for residents today and for future generations;
• Develop an appreciation for the important role that elected officials, planning professionals, and citizens of all ages play in that process;
• See how the knowledge and skills they are acquiring in high school (and will continue to develop) will enable them to participate fully in the planning process wherever they may choose to live.

Theme

Each year, the essay contest will focus on a different topic. This year's theme, Expanding Housing Choice and Affordability through Planning, is related to APA's current examination of our nation's housing crisis and the steps communities can take to ensure that healthy and affordable housing is available to all Americans, regardless of household composition or income. Click here to read the essay question.

Future Contests

APA's 2007-08 High School Essay contest will be launched in October 2007 as part of APA's National Community Planning Month. High School seniors and juniors are welcome to apply. Please watch for details!