The Department of Classics at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois, is proud to announce the winners of the seventeenth annual Bernice L. Fox Classics Writing Contest. The goal of this year's contest, open to all high school students, was for the students to suggest twelve living Americans who share characteristics with the twelve ancient Olympian deities and to explain what these people have in common with these deities with frequent reference to ancient Greek and Roman myths and beliefs about the gods.  This year there were 116 entries from twenty six schools in fifteen states. Only ten entries are permitted from any one school. Each entrant receives a certificate of participation from Monmouth College.

The winner of a $150 cash award is Lauren Dahler of Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio. Lauren is the student of Dr. Laura Abrahamsen. Click here to read the winning entry. 

Honorable mentions (listed randomly by school) were awarded to the following six students: Erin Gauthier and Adam Rothschild, students of Amanda Wall of Mount Greylock Regional High School in Williamstown, Massachusetts; Phil Marquis, student of Laura Abrahamsen of Lakewood High, in Lakewood, Ohio; and Kyle Perkins, Lena Cottle, and Dustin George, students of Mrs. Giles of Amarillo High School, in Amarillo, Texas. 

This essay contest honors Bernice L. Fox who taught English, Latin and Greek at Monmouth College from 1947 to 1981 and who also served for some time as chair of the Department of Classics. Dr. Fox has spent much of her life in promoting the study of Latin in Illinois high schools. The college welcomes suggestions for future contest topics. Please contact Dr. Thomas J. Sienkewicz, Capron Professor of Classics, Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois, 309-457-2371.