The essays of three Hamilton High School students were chosen winners in the 2007 Philosophy Essay Contest. Students were invited to write about how a current issue, event or trend will have a significant impact on human values in the future.
The top essays were:
- “Talk to the Pixel” by senior Jennifer Posh, first place with a prize of $250;
- “The Future of the Human Machine” by junior Joshua Pothier, second place and $100; and
- “The Only Thing We Have To Fear Is Fear Itself (And Terrorists, and Rapists, and Nuclear Bombs, and the Slow Decay of Moral Values)” by senior Sara Willkomm, third place and $50.
Essays were rated based on response to the prompt, ability to express views clearly and cogently, and command of the language and conventions of writing.
Contestants wrote about the perils of poverty, the dangers of smoking or drinking, media influences, the impact of the Internet and other noteworthy concerns. The contest was sponsored by the Hamilton Philosophy Club.