The Contest
In CNTA’s annual essay contest, area high schoolers have a chance to win up to $1,000. Continuing in 2022, we are having two tiers of winners. Second tier winners will receive $500 each. All winners are recognized in news releases and at a Spring CNTA event.
Over the course of the Essay Contest program, CNTA has awarded over $75,000 to deserving students.
Application Process
The 2023 High School Essay Contest Information is NOW AVAILALBE!
The 2023 Application Packet for the HS Essay Contest is available.
Eligibility
- Must be a high school junior or senior enrolled at a school in one of these counties (including homeschool): Aiken (SC), Allendale (SC), Barnwell (SC), Burke (GA), Columbia (GA), or Richmond (GA).
- Each contestant must prepare his or her own essay about one of the listed topics.
Contestants must submit one (1) copy of their essay in its final form to the Contest Director by the due date of February 28, 2023. Each essay must be accompanied by an Official Student Entry Form. No faxed copies will be accepted, please email them.
Contest Criteria
Submit a 1,000-1,500 word essay on one of three topics. The 2023 topics are:
- There are numerous applications of nuclear technology in the medical industry, such as radioisotopes for medical diagnostics or therapies. Some of these applications have been around for many years, and other innovations are being developed. Discuss at least two (2) uses of nuclear technology in medicine and their impact on the medical industry.
- There are many differences between the generation of greenhouse gases from various energy sources, such as wind, solar, and fossil fuels compared to nuclear energy. Discuss the differences in greenhouse gas generation between these sources and nuclear energy. Consider the “cradle-to-grave” cycle of each energy source.
- Nuclear technology is being used in emerging technologies, such as supporting habitation in space, and producing energy via small-modular reactors and micro-reactors. Discuss the use of nuclear technology in emerging technologies and the potential impacts of these uses on society.
The effort involves researching a topic and preparing an essay on the subject. CNTA has books and other reference materials that may be of help to student applicants.
The competition is judged by volunteer members of CNTA.
2022 Winners and Essays
The two $1,000 Winners were:
The two $750 Winners were:
Matthew Miller
Spring Valley High School
“Uses of Radioisotopes in Medicine and U.S Dependence on Foreign Supply”
Tyler Sims
Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
“The battle for power: Nuclear energy vs. fossil fuels”
The two $500 Winners were:
Azaria Martin
Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School
“Discuss how electricity generated from nuclear power versus fossil fuels can impact global warming.”
Kaytlin Sturkey
Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School
“Nuclear Technology and Space Exploration”