CASPER – Anthony Ramirez, of Southeast High School in Yoder, received $3,300 for his second-place finish at the “Code of the West” essay contest this past weekend in Casper. Ramirez’s essay was chosen out of more than 800 submissions in the statewide competition.
The American Dream Essay Contest is centered on Jim Owen’s bestselling novel “Ten Principles to Live By,” highlighting the Cowboy Code of Ethics. Every high school and homeschool student in grades 9-12 of the state were invited to participate in the contest.
A total of 826 students, representing 27 schools, participated in this year’s contest. Monetary awards were given to first, second, and third place winners at the
local level.
The first-place winner from each school received $300 and was then forwarded to the state competition where their essay was evaluated by a separate panel of judges to determine the state winner.
The top essay won $5,000 in cash, with second place receiving $3,000, and third $2,000. Sponsoring teachers also received monetary incentives for participation and a prize if their student’s essay won at the state level. More than $39,000 was awarded in prize money on Sunday in Casper.
The American Dream Essay Contest is sponsored by the Templeton Foundation, Zimmerman Family Foundation, Robert P. Schuster, Larry and Margo Bean, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.
For more information on the American Dream Essay Contest, please contact Lou Bruggman at (307) 235-4079.
