In conjunction with National Hazing Prevention Week every September, we look for the nation’s best essays and photos depicting that year’s theme in our Essay and Photo Contests. Get your keyboard and cameras ready to compete for national recognition and cash awards! It’s a great way to pay tribute to your commitment to hazing prevention.

Our 2011 theme is, “How do you empower people around you to prevent hazing?” Tell us in your 500-word essay or show us in your digital photo of your friends and campus demonstrating their support for hazing prevention.

Entry deadline for both contests is November 23, 2011. For complete contest guidelines, click on the link to the right. When you’re ready to enter, click on the Essay or Photo Contest link on the right to submit your best writing or photography.

Congratulations to our 2010 Essay Contest winners!

Savannah Jackson is the first place award winner of the 2010 National Hazing Prevention Week Essay Contest. Savannah is a student at Destiny Christian School in Norman, OK. In her essay, Savannah compares hazing to bullying and recognizes that not only Greek letter organizations deal with hazing, but also others including high school sports and the military. As a senior in high school, she is beginning to look at colleges and sororities and says “I want to spend my college years in a safe environment, where joining a sorority is about helping my community and sisterhood.” Savannah encourages everyone to support anti-hazing laws in their states to help end hazing practices. Savannah says that the first thing she would do if she encountered hazing is to report it to the authorities. “I could not live with the guilt of never reporting abuse,” she says. “Raising awareness about hazing is crucial to the future of the upcoming generations.” Savannah is a varsity cheerleader, Senior Class President, and student worship leader at Destiny Christian School. She plans to attend Oklahoma City University for Child Psychology and Musical Theater. Click here to view Savannah's winning essay

Nicole Donaldson is the third place recipient for the National Hazing Prevention Week Essay Contest and is a junior at Culver City High School in Culver City, CA. In her essay, Nicole uncovers myths about hazing and tries to expose the truth. She points out that hazing does not cultivate respect for members in positions of power but distrust from the members being hazed. Nicole also recognizes that even if a member seems to willingly accept the abusive activity, it may not be out of true willingness but peer pressure and a desire for acceptance. If she were to encounter hazing, Nicole says “I would turn around and walk right back out the door.” She refuses to be a part of a group or organization that condones hazing. Nicole also encourages everyone to educate themselves on hazing and report any type of hazing to the appropriate authorities. After graduating high school, she hopes to attend college to study political science and plans to become a prosecuting attorney. Click here to view Nicole's winning essay Click here to view the Second Place and other Third Place Essays.