Winners announced for the 2011 Student Essay Contest

Thanks to a generous gift earmarked for the purpose of underwriting an essay contest, we were able to raise the consciousness of many young people about this important issue. The following students were awarded cash prizes for their essays.

1st Place: Megan K Brennan, Age 18, Shelton, WA
“Thinking About Death Is Just For Old People, Right?”

“Grandpa Smith thought it was most important to plan for those he would leave behind, but he failed to discuss his wishes about himself. At age 72 he was diagnosed with ALS. After spending several increasingly painful months in a short term care facility, he requested physician assisted death. He was in terrible pain and my family and I were relieved at his choice. The weeks that it took to do the required, properly witness, request forms and wait for legal time limits were frustrating. This is our first family member to have requested an assist since the Washington State Death With Dignity Act went into effect. The policy provided a clear legal path. I cannot explain why, but the slow methodical process, in itself, was consoling. The act leans towards the conservative, as it should, since it deals with such a controversial subject. Grandpa Smith had lived a very happy life and deserved a less painful death. Within our family, the restrained silence of choices surrounding death has been shattered. Even the “middle agers” are thinking out loud. All are feeling very positive about hospice and the Washington and Oregon progressive acts.”

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2nd Place: David Kennedy, Age 18, Gig Harbor, WA
"Where There is Life, There is Hope"

“Death is inevitable. Giving people the option of self-medicating the end may alleviate some suffering, but it also precludes the possibility of a miracle, which also happened in the life of another friend whom doctors decreed had no hope. He has been alive now for 15 months and has lived, and continues to live, a fulfilling life. If living well, living with purpose, and living intentionally makes us human, will giving people the option to die intentionally make a positive impact in our would?”

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3rd Place: Christopher Stenson, Age 16, Bothell, WA
"Impact of the Washington State Death With Dignity Act"

“The ability to take charge of one’s life is the key driving force behind proponents of the law, as it offers something that many people faced with terminal conditions gradually lose – control. This concept of control is empowering, and has perhaps improved the lives of many fatal sufferers in this state – if not by actual use, then by the knowledge that is available to them, should they need it.… Perhaps the longest lasting and most important impact of the Washington State Death With Dignity Act would be the victory that it represents in the rights of the individual.”

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Honorable Mention: Madison Birdsall, Age 17, Maple Valley, WA
"My Father, My Hero"

“My dad was diagnosed with this fatal disease Multiple Systems Atrophy. When my dad faced me with this news I just looked at him blankly, emotionless, and completely numb. I had no idea how to act or what to think. It was at this time that my dad explained to my brother and me about the Death With Dignity Act and that his ultimate plan was to die peacefully before the disease could take him from us.… I started to understand why he wanted to do Death With Dignity. He did not want us to watch him suffer any longer. He wanted us to have memories of him when he was strong and healthy[,] not sick and helpless.… I finally realized the Death With Dignity Act was an act of compassion, love and devotion. An act that would save my dad[']s dignity. He was such a proud and strong individual and did not want this disease to beat him. He was going to beat this disease surrounded by his family and close friends.… Death With Dignity was providing us with a gift. A gift of being able to love and express feelings before my dad left us forever.… Without the Death With Dignity Act my dad would still be a prisoner in his own body. His self worth would be lost and his dignity shattered. He died on his own terms.”

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Honorable Mention: Alisa VanFrunsven, Age 16, Sammamish, WA
"The Constitutionality of Assisted Suicide"

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Honorable Mention: Linsey Theda, Age 17, Redmond, WA
"Death With Dignity Essay"

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Honorable Mention: Ryan Wigley, Age 18, Pacific, WA
"A Release from Day to Day Torture"

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Honorable Mention: Brennan Payne, Age 18, Port Orchard, WA
"A Critical Examination of Physician-Assisted Suicide for Terminal Patients"

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