The Sidney Prize recognizes an undergraduate essay which exhibits exceptional originality, integrity, and intellectual depth on any nominated topic. It is open to students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs who are writing essays. The winner will receive $1000 courtesy of Dymocks Books and Tutoring as well as publication in The Herald; runners-up in each category will also be presented with $500 prize packages that include digital subscription to The Herald as well as touring of its newsroom plus the opportunity to pitch four additional pieces for publication consideration.
The Metaphysics and Epistemology Prize at the University of Sydney is given annually to encourage undergraduate student study of metaphysics and epistemology at this Australian institution. Nomination for this prize comes from the Head of School of Philosophy after consulting with November Examiners’ Meeting; and award is made based upon effectiveness in using electronic information technology while conducting research for papers pertaining to either metaphysics or epistemology.
Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge was established in 1620 and has had an immense effect on our culture, religion, politics, business and law since. Notable alumni include Oliver Cromwell and Charles II as well as journalists such as Edward R. Murrow, Murray Kempton and News Chronicle editor who exposed Joseph McCarthy during the Cold War period. It has also produced poets, philosophers, scientists and literary figures who have gone on to fame themselves.
At this year’s Sidney Prize, judges have selected two outstanding essays. Helen Andrews’ “Shame Storm,” from First Things magazine, provides an eye-opening account of online debate and its inherent violence; Second Place Winner Steven Fraser’s “The Unpunished,” written for TIME magazine by Palestinian villagers living within Israel has had an enormously profound effect, both locally as well as globally in terms of understanding unequal justice in Israel.
The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s annual essay contest invites participants to write an 800-word essay addressing one of two topics: (1) Research the last severe drought or flooding event in metro Atlanta and describe how your community and local businesses responded, or (2) Study how our region’s extreme rainfall events impact us all, and explain ways in which we can become more water resilient in future years. Winners were honored at a ceremony held downtown Atlanta on April 14. Click here for full story.