For this year’s essay contest, students were asked to write a response, discussing his/her opinion on the issue of whether or not the State’s denial of an application for Special Organization License Plate submitted by the Hands Up 4 Peace is an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment or whether such control is permissible in light of the State’s role in issuing the license plates. Alex was presented with this scholarship information in his Advanced Placement 12 English class. While the court case position essay was required for credit in his English class, Alex decided to submit his essay for the competition. Alex accepted this challenge with grace and determination, using his analytical and writing skills.

Judging was based on thoughtfulness, organization, interest, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Judges looked for writing that was clear, articulate, and logically organized. Alex was given a detailed description of the case along with court cases. Several of the court cases are pending with the U.S. Supreme Court. After his extensive research, Alex submitted a three page position paper.

Alex will be honored at the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Annual Judiciary Dinner on Friday, May 8 at Heinz Field where he will be awarded his $1,000 scholarship.

**Note:  This is Hopewell’s second consecutive year for the essay winner.  Last year, Lia Kopar won.