Hibriten senior wins German embassy essay contest
May 20—Each year, the German embassy hosts a nationwide essay contest for students of grades 3-12 in the U.S., awarding a $200 prize to national winners and a $25 prize to local winners. 2024's local winner for Hibriten High School was senior Caiden Ingram for her essay on climate neutrality.
The contest is carried out through the German Information Center USA for the purpose of encouraging American students to research and learn about Germany. To that end the essay contest produces prompts designed to spark interest and inspire students to critically examine the world around them — and to see the relationships that exist between the U.S. and Germany. Previous prompts include examinations of the different German business in the US and the American businesses in Germany to see the interconnectedness between the countries' economies and an examination of the benefits and consequences of universal healthcare.
In 2024, two prompts were available. The first used the cultural phenomenon of "currywurst" to discuss traditions and food trends, while the second regarded Germany's goal of climate neutrality for 2045, and the ways that society will have to change to accomplish that goal. HHS German teacher Sascha Sanderlin selected the second prompt for his senior students, believing it to be a better topic of discussion given his classes' discussion of Germany's recycling and sustainability programs.
"Picture yourself," the 2024 prompt read, "as mayor of a small town and you are looking for ways to become climate-neutral. You've examined the buildings, transportation and personal habits of your residents. There are many places you could start. What are some ideas the first ideas you can think of to start making changes?"
Ingram used her essay to discuss pollution from CO2 emissions and plastic waste, noting that the U.S. emits more than double the world average of C02 per capita, and that 88% of the sea's surface is polluted with plastic waste. Ingram discussed individual actions such as carpooling and recycling that can lead to decreased pollution.
She mentioned Lenoir's recycling plant specifically, saying, "My hometown is aware that at some point, everyone is going to use plastics. We are also aware that we are responsible for ensuring that the plastic is taken care of properly after it is no longer within our use. If other cities prioritize recycling too, they would be able to see a decrease in pollution within their city."
"I hadn't thought a lot about it until we started the essay," Ingram said. "People don't take the time to separate trash."
Sanderlin believes that the essay contest is good for the students, that it provides an "actual tangible reward" for writing the essay. He also mentioned that the contest provides an opportunity for him to learn from his students as well. Among other common threads through the student essays, Sanderlin mentioned that many of his students discussed the emission cost of clothes waste — of people throwing away their clothes, which he says the students learned was a big methane producer.
Sanderlin enlisted the help of several English teachers at Hibriten to judge the essays, saying "I am thankful that Hibriten students and faculty are always willing to help out each other."
