As the holiday break concludes for high school students in Fountain Hills, an opportunity awaits them - the launch of the 12th annual essay contest, organized by the Protect Our Youth, Fountain Hills Drug Prevention Coalition.

This distinctive assignment not only challenges students but also provides a chance to win a prize of $1,000, according to a Coalition press release.

Entry forms and detailed contest rules are readily available in all FHHS English classrooms, the FHHS front office and at the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce.

The essay contest officially kicks off Monday, Jan. 1 and the submission deadline is set for Monday, Feb. 5.

This year’s prizes include $1,000 for first place, $300 for second place and $100 for third place. Additionally, other outstanding students will receive $50 honorable mention prizes.

Interested students are invited to complete the entry form and craft an essay of 750 words or less, choosing one of the three following prompts:

Selfless Millionaire Challenge

“Imagine you were about to receive $1 million but it came with a unique challenge – the entire amount must be spent on helping others. The catch: you cannot spend any of it on yourself, and it is all about experiences or things that directly uplift and positively impact other people’s lives. Keep the receipts. What would those receipts be for? How would you creatively spend one million dollars to selflessly help others?”

Expressive Art or Song

“Many people find art as a useful way to express themselves. Think of times you are most proud of yourself. If you could either paint a picture or write a song to reflect the best version of yourself, what would that picture look like or what type of song would it be? How would you describe your best self using a painted picture or song?”

Resisting Peer Pressure

“How do you handle peer pressure and stay true to yourself? Share ways that you have used to resist negative influences, and how those experiences could help others your age.”

Support for the contest and awards is provided by the title sponsor, Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation, along with esteemed business sponsors including Sami Fine Jewelry, RE/MAX Sun Properties, Martinson Team at Homeowners Financial Group USA, Fountain Hills Law Firm, Stop & Go Driver Training and Dan Kuchan, CPA.

Tammy Bell, coalition director, expressed anticipation for another outstanding contest stating, “We are always impressed with the creativity, honesty, and transparent essays our local students produce.”

For more information about the Protect Our Youth, Drug Prevention Coalition and the essay contest, visit fhcoalition.org.