Experience The Local Culinary Delight at the 2026 Devour Summer Chef Series

Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship Contest: A Chance for Arizona Students to Reflect on Their Values

Update Encouraging Ethical Reflection Among Arizona Teens High school students across Arizona are encouraged to embrace their moral compass through the Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship Contest, designed to foster critical thinking about ethics and personal experiences. This annual competition, organized by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in partnership with Swiss America and Kiwanis, invites high schoolers from grades nine to twelve, specifically those graduating between 2027 and 2030, to submit essays that delve into significant ethical dilemmas they have faced. Participants will be tasked with writing an essay of no more than 500 words detailing an ethical issue encountered in their lives and how they navigated the situation. As Faustine Chan, the BBB's Community and Business Programs director, emphasizes, the essays should not only recount personal experiences but also reflect on the corresponding lessons learned about ethics and self-discovery. The previous years have shown that the strongest submissions often draw from meaningful, transformative moments, encouraging students to reflect deeply on their choices and values. Scholarship Incentives to Explore Ethics The contest awards five scholarships totaling $4,000 to the top essays, with prizes distributed as follows: $1,500 for first place, $1,250 for second, $1,000 for third, $750 for fourth, and $500 for fifth. Winning entries will be celebrated at the upcoming Torch Awards for Ethics, scheduled for November 19 in Phoenix, setting an inspiring stage for young minds to showcase their ethical insights. Essays are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, and interested applicants can find submission details at torchessay.bbbcommunity.org. Eligibility is limited to students residing in specific Arizona counties including Maricopa and Yavapai, emphasizing access to local students who may gain valuable insights into their community and their own ethical beliefs through this initiative. An Invitation to Reflect and Grow This contest not only serves as an opportunity for financial assistance in college but also encourages Arizona’s youth to engage with the concept of ethics actively. By analyzing personal dilemmas, students are prompted to think critically about their values and decisions, setting a foundation for essential life skills that will benefit them long beyond their high school years. For more information about the Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship Contest, interested students can reach out via phone at 602-212-2228 or email questions to scholarships@bbbcommunity.org. Taking the plunge into this contest could inspire young writers to not only share their stories but also to develop a deeper understanding of ethics and integrity in our rapidly changing world.