Two Whitworth seniors take first and second place in national essay competition

Heather Wallace

Two Whitworth students have taken first and second place in the Presbyterian Outlook annual essay competition. Senior Heather Wallace won the $1,000 first prize, and senior Sarah Glady won the $200 second prize.

The competition requires graduating college seniors to write about how their education at a Presbyterian college equipped them for a life of leadership and service. Both essays will be published in a future issue of Presbyterian Outlook.

Wallace, who is double majoring in English and philosophy, will use her scholarship to help fund her move to North Carolina this summer, where she plans to attend Duke University's doctorate program in philosophy next fall.

"I developed my essay based on Whitworth's mission of heart and mind, connecting that focus to my interests in philosophy of mind and my aspirations as a professor," Wallace says. "I also highlighted the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition of education as an important ministry."

Wallace is a member of Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, in her hometown of Lake Oswego, Ore., and while at Whitworth she has attended Knox Presbyterian Church.

Sarah Glady

Glady, who is an English major, also will be applying her scholarship toward graduate school. In the fall she will attend Arizona State University, where she will pursue a master's degree in literature.

Glady, who attends Valley Presbyterian Church in her hometown of Phoenix, says her essay focused on how Whitworth teaches students to expand their world views and educates their mind and hearts.

Presbyterian Outlook is an independent weekly newsletter reporting on items of interest to the entire Presbyterian Church (USA). The publication aims to promote discussion of issues confronting the Presbyterian church, to disseminate accurate information about church developments, to advance understanding of the Reformed faith in its historic and contemporary meaning and develop a place for Presbyterians to share their talents.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contact:

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703, or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.