Sitzmann a Finalist in NYT Student Essay Contest

Parker Sitzmann

If ever there was a year for students to have opinions, it was the 2020-21 school year. Annually, the New York Times challenges teens across the world to put their thoughts to paper in a “Student Editorial Contest.” More than 11,000 entries are received from talented – and thoughtful – young writers around the globe. In 450 words or less, students must state their opinion on an issue relevant to their lives or society. They must site reliable sources within their article as well.

Johnston Middle School student Parker Sitzmann has been selected as round 4 finalist for the middle school division contest. Submitting an editorial in the contest was an optional assignment from JMS Eighth Grade Advanced Language Arts teacher RaeAnn Skeers at the during the spring semester. Skeers said many of her students opted to submit pieces for review.

Sitzmann’s editorial was titled ““The Unpaid Workforce” and is about college athlete compensation. From the thousands of persuasive essays submitted through the contest, the NY Times team selects 10 winners, 16 runners-up, 26 honorable mentions, and 141 round 4 finalists.

“I am so proud of Parker for writing about an issue he cares about and continuing our tradition of representing JMS in this annual contest,” said Skeers. “This is such a great opportunity for students to use their voices through writing in a way that matters.”