2025 Graduate of the Year Contest

The 2025 Graduate of the Year Contest is open to all 2025 Arete graduating high school seniors. To participate, seniors must complete the form below and submit a short written or video description on the impact of your school experience – what it has given you so far and how it will help you with your future goals. A panel of judges will choose one winning entry. The winner will receive $1,000 plus Beats noise-cancelling headphones, an Arete Bluetooth speaker, and an Arete swag bag (hoodie, insulated water bottle, ceramic mug, and more). Plus, the first ten qualified entries will receive a $20 Visa gift card!*

To Enter:

Complete the form below and submit a short written or video essay that best describes the impact your Arete partner school has had on your life.

The Prize:

$1,000 plus Beats noise-cancelling headphones, an Arete Bluetooth speaker, and an Arete swag bag (hoodie, insulated water bottle, ceramic mug, and stickers).

Guidelines:

Answer all the questions in the form below. 

Include a written or video description - all creative video styles of expression are accepted, such as interviews, reenactments, music videos, animation, etc. 

Here are some sample questions to consider when putting together your entry. You can choose to answer one or more of these questions, or you can choose to tell your story in a different way:

• What are your plans beyond high school? What is your dream job?
• What problem do you see in the world, and how would you want to help fix it?
• What knowledge and/or tools has your school experience provided you with?
• What opportunities are accessible to you thanks to your school/education?
• How has your school experience impacted other members of your family?
• Describe the friendships you have developed at your school and how they have impacted your life.
• What would life be like without an Arete scholarship to your school?
• Tell us about someone who stood out as a role model or mentor at your school.

How to Enter:

• Attach a written answer (500 words) to the form below, or...
• Upload a video (up to 3 minutes) to YouTube and paste the video link into the form below. 
• Submit your entry no later than 6/2/25 

*Rules:

• To be eligible to enter, students must be 2025 graduating high school seniors on an Arete Scholarship.
• The first ten eligible entries will receive a $20 Visa gift card.
• When submitting a written essay, the essay must be at least 500 words.
• When submitting a video essay, the video must not exceed three minutes.
• By submitting a written or video essay, participants grant Arete Scholars permission to share the content on the Arete Scholars website, social media, and via email.
• Submission deadline is 6/2/25, 11:59 pm CST. All entries must be received by this time.
• A panel of judges will review all eligible entries and vote on a winner; one winner will be chosen.
• Winner will be notified by 6/20/25; prize distribution arrangements will be made at time of notification.