Three high school students won top honors in a journalism essay contest from The Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association.

Idaho advisers and students have the same opportunity as everyone else in the nation to win such prestigious honors and scholarships.

According to the April 17 announcement of the 2015 winners, “students in grades 9-12 could enter the contest by submitting an essay addressing this statement: ‘Why is it important for journalists to seek the news and report it?’ Of the 275 entries received, professional educators judged and selected 15 finalists.”

Here are the winning essays.

First Place, $1,000 Scholarship Winner:
Matthew Zipf, Richard Montgomery High School, Rockville, Maryland

Second Place, $500 Scholarship Winner:
Philip Kim, Paramus High School, Paramus, New Jersey

Third Place, $300 Scholarship Winner:
Sania Chandrani, Parkview High School, Liburn, Georgia