“The Rotary Laws of Life essay contest gives students in Fayette County a powerful opportunity to reflect on the values that shape who they are. By taking a simple maxim and connecting it to their own personal experiences, they not only develop their writing skills, but also discover the strength in their own voice. It’s inspiring to see how these young people grow in character, empathy, and confidence through this process.”- Judge Jason Thompson, State Court Judge for Fayette County.

The above statement is the essence of Georgia Rotary Club’s annual Law of Life contest. Many Rotary clubs in our state, including our own Rotary Club of Peachtree City, have chosen to participate. In the Law of Life contest, students from grade 9 through grade 12 submit essays on what it means to be a student in today’s complex society and how each student can achieve self-fulfillment in their journey, while helping society along the way.

The first question that the reader probably has is- “What is a Law of Life?” Our Rotary Club of Peachtree City’s defines it as- “A positive reminder of a way to live your life. A Law of Life can be ‘a quote to live by.’ Following these laws would make the world a better place.” And that is the spirit behind the essays submitted by these students who select their own Law of Life and write about how it made them a better person and our society more fruitful.

As background, there is one fact upon which we can all agree. It is much harder to be a teenager now than it was in past decades. Bullying has increased and changed dramatically in the last decade due to the advent of electronic communications, including cell phones. School after school has been raising a red flag regarding cyberbullying issues and the deteriorating mental health of our students. Nearly 6 million American children ages 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety (https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html ). In the state of Georgia alone, 100,000 students have reported depression (https://www.freeyourfeels.org/ ). And statistics show that the problem is getting worse, not better. 

By writing these essays, the winners are showing their peers how to overcome the many adversities that they may face each day. It is a first, very important step toward improved mental health. Per Judge Thompson- “I organize the Laws of Life essay program each year because I believe in the power of storytelling to build character and connection. When students take time to reflect on a guiding principle and share how it’s shaped their life, it’s more than just an essay—it’s a moment of growth. Watching them find meaning in their experiences and courage in their voice reminds me why this work matters.”

For the year 2024-2025, the essay contest winners, who will receive cash awards, were- 

9th Grade Winner: Amelia Wood

10th Grade Winner: Felipe Schapinsky Da Rocha

11th Grade Winner:  Zanae Williams

12th Grade Winner: Leo Rodriguez

Honorable mentions were as follows-

10^th grade- Christina Harmon, Coco Jung, Colin Hacker, Fiona Norwood, Muriel Chan, and Zachary Nizker;

11^th grade- Erblina Topalli and Madison Fambro

12^th grade- Charlie Votin and Taegan Reiter

Mike Berg, Rotary Club of Dawsonville, and Carol Gray Walker, Rotary Club of Midtown Atlanta, have stated-“The (Laws of Life) essays are powerful reminders that no matter the challenges we face, character matters. Whether writing about perseverance through personal struggle, the quiet strength of empathy, or what it means to give back, these students demonstrate the meaningful thought and heart that define the Laws of Life.” 

For more information about the Law of Life program, go to- https://georgialawsoflife.org/