Corine Alvarez ('10) wins grand prize

For the fourth consecutive year a Bethany senior English student has placed first in the Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office's annual high school essay contest.

Corine Alvarez won this year's grand prize for her essay, "What Would Jesus Do About the International Debt Crisis." She addressed the challenges facing developing countries that owe exorbitant sums of money to international financial institutions and Western governments: Debt causes governing bodies to focus more on repaying the debt than caring for the people of the countries.” Alvarez noted that debt repayment is prioritized over health care, education and job creation. “This dangerous cycle will not be broken unless change is implemented.”

Classmate Sara Klassen also received one of two honorable mention for her essay, "The Plague of Nations: A Historical View of The Global Debt and Resolution Possibilities." She noted the theological roots of debt relief. “The law laid out in Exodus states that every seventh year, the year of Jubilee, the fields should not be worked and all debts must be cancelled... The year of Jubilee and the laws of the Old Testament are insurance to the poor. They represent a necessity to care for the poor and for creation.” 

Their essays were selected for top honors from high school applicants attending Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, and other Anabaptist congregations and/or high schools in North America. The annual essay contest provides an opportunity for young people to reflect on public policy and Anabaptist faith.  For more information on MCC Washington Office or the contest, see www.washingtonmemo.org.