Washington, D.C. May 19, 2009 -- Ten students were named finalists of the New America Foundation's Improving the Lives of Children Essay Contest today. 

This year's finalists were selected from more than 3,400 entrants, from high schools in every state. By state, the finalists broke out to 1 Arizona; 1 Colorado; 1 Michigan; 1 New Jersey; 2 New York; 1 North Carolina; 1 Ohio; 2 Pennsylvania.

High school seniors wrote 600 words on the question, "You have just been elected the President of the United States.  What is the most important thing you will do to improve the lives of America's children?" Essays are judged on the quality of both the ideas and the writing.

"The purpose of the 'Improving the Lives of Children' Essay contest is to draw attention to ideas that can make a difference in the lives of America's youth.  We are hopeful that this can highlight some of the critical needs of America's young people," said David Gray, Director of the Workforce and Family Program at New America.

The essay contest is held with the support of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  In June, the contest winner will be selected by a panel of distinguished judges and will receive a $2,500 prize for college.  For future information and results see http://www.newamerica.net/programs/workforce_and_family.

The 2009 finalists are:
Tara Murphy, Tucson, AZ - Marana High School
Isaac Fonken, Estes Park, CO - Wilderness Academy Home School
Neil Menon, Wyoming, OH - Wyoming High School
Kate O'Connor, Plymouth, MI  - Salem High School
Sophia Zhang, Charlotte, NC - North Mecklenburg High School
Margaret Dudasik, Nutley, NJ - Academy of the Holy Angels
Daniel Robbins, Bedford, NY - Fox Lane High School
Erika DiLorenzo, Clifton Park, NY - Catholic Central High School
Tyrik Thorn, Philadelphia, PA - William L. Sayre High School
Abby O'Hare, Sayre, PA - Sayre Area High School

Media interested in covering New America's Improving the Lives of Children Essay Contest should contact Erin Drankoski at 202-997-8727 or drankoski@newamerica.net. 

About New America
The New America Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute whose purpose is to bring exceptionally promising new ideas and new voices to the fore of our nation's public discourse. New America is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has offices in California.