Lifting Up Westchester (LUW), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet other basic needs, recently announced the winners of its eighth annual Student Essay Contest.
Open to all Westchester students in grades 7–12, this year’s contest challenged young writers to step into a fictional scenario where an LUW representative asks the student how to best spend an unexpected $1 million donation. Through their essays, students explored creative and practical ways to expand LUW’s programs, demonstrating both empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in need.
The contest, established in 2017 in memory of Beth Massey Rubens — a beloved Westchester resident, teacher, tutor and mentor with a passion for language arts — aims to inspire critical thinking about social issues while introducing students to LUW’s mission.
“We are continually amazed by the depth of insight and compassion these students bring to the table,” said Anahaita Kotval, CEO of Lifting Up Westchester.
A panel of 52 volunteer judges carefully reviewed submissions from schools across Westchester, selecting winners in three grade categories: 7th-8th, 9th-10th, and 11th-12th grades. First, second, and third-place winners received cash prizes and were honored at an Awards Ceremony & Luncheon on March 30 at Tre Angelina Italian restaurant in White Plains. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano was also in attendance, joining in the celebration to recognize the students’ achievements and support LUW’s mission. The event was sponsored by Salvatore and Ritchie D’Errico, owners of D’Errico Jewelry in Scarsdale and Mount Kisco, who are steadfast supporters of LUW’s youth programs.
Kaede Ando, Keio Academy of New York Isabella Vembenil, The Ursuline School Aidan Fishman, Mamaroneck High School
Lifting Up Westchester extends its heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their creativity, passion, and dedication to addressing critical social issues. The organization looks forward to next year’s contest and continues to empower students to be agents of change in their communities.
Founded in 1979, Lifting Up Westchester (LUW) is a nonprofit organization providing life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet their other basic needs. Each year, the organization partners with over 3,000 men, women and children experiencing homelessness and hunger to build a more secure future for themselves and their families. LUW envisions a community where everyone has a stable place to call home. With secure housing, people have the ability to focus on improving their health, education and employment. LUW’s team helps people find a home, build on that foundation and achieve greater self- sufficiency.
