The Fraser Institute announced today the selection of the winners in its annual student essay contest. The three winners will share $1,750 in cash prizes. This year's topic, "Trade or Aid? What is the Solution to Poverty in Africa?" attracted over 400 entries from university and high school students across Canada, the United States, and around the world. The contest was sponsored by the W. Garfield Weston Foundation.

The entries were judged on several criteria including understanding of competitive markets, originality of ideas, understanding of the topic, and clear expression of ideas. The panel of judges included trade policy experts and academics.

2006 Student Essay Contest Winners

1st Place ($1,000)

Aiding Poverty
by Matthew Baker, Greenville, SC, USA
Bob Jones University, Prelaw and Accounting, 2009

"The winning entry included a thorough discussion of the impact of aid, combined with a good understanding of specific trade programs," said Fred McMahon, director of the centre for globalization studies at The Fraser Institute, and one of the contest judges.

2nd Place ($500)

Living in a Fool's Paradise: The Overly Optimistic Nature of Development Aid
by Steven Loleski, Whitby, ON
Queen's University, BA, Political Studies, 2008

"Steven Loleski's paper effectively examined the institutional shortcomings that prevent economic growth, and the past failures of development aid, and discussed solutions for the future," commented Vanessa Schneider, the Institute's associate director of student programs.

Honorable mentions in the post-secondary category were also awarded to Joshua C. Hall of West Virginia University, Maude Bureau of Collège Lafleche, and Pablo Salinas of the University of British Columbia.

1st Place High School Category ($250)

Business as a Solution to Poverty
by Kathleen Guglielmi, Mississauga, ON
Loyola Catholic Secondary School, Grade 12

"Kathleen Guglielmi, our first place winner in the high school category, demonstrated excellent writing and language skills, and a good understanding of economic principles," said Schneider.