Three area high school students are finalists in a nationwide essay contest on mental health struggles and feelings of disconnect. Anya Kelley from Appleton West, Isidore Simon from Xavier and Meghan Morgan from Pulaski were among five Wisconsin students selected for the “Dear Evan Hansen. You Will Be Found” event. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is among the state sponsors of the competition. P.A.C. President Maria Van Laanen says the contest offers some key lessons in the time of the pandemic.
“Especially this time with the year that we’ve been through,” Van Laanen says. “Everybody is struggling and we need to support each other, and recognize that we are not alone. And there are many people who care for us to support us in telling our stories.”
Each of the five winners receives $1,000 scholarship for winning at the state level. The winner of the national event takes home a $10,000 scholarship.