FSYF Essay Contest

The annual FSYF Essay Contest challenges Foreign Service youth to reflect on their experience by responding to an essay prompt. Middle and high school students are invited to participate in the contest sponsored by McGrath Real Estate Services.

The 2020 Essay topic is:

"Identify an issue that you would like to learn more about as a member of a U.S. Foreign Service family living in (name of country; the U.S. qualifies too). Explain why this issue is important to you, how you will learn more about it and what you would do with this information. Consider how the Foreign Service lifestyle has stimulated your interest and your ability to understand it."

Award Details

The judges select winners for both Middle School and High School that will receive generous cash prizes made possible by McGrath Real Estate Services.

Winners will receive first, second, or third place awards of $800, $500, or $300 (respectively) in the high school category.

Middle school award winners will receive first, second, or third place awards of $500, $300, or $150 (respectively).

All winners are recognized at the Youth Awards Ceremony held at the Department of State in June 2020.

Contest Eligibility

All FSYF contests are open to children of U.S. Foreign Affairs agency officials who are eligible for overseas assignment and who report to the Chief of Mission when at post and those who are current FSYF members.

The children of FSYF Board and Advisory Council members and staff are not eligible to participate in the Essay Contest.

See application for further details.

Essays will become the property of FSYF and McGrath Real Estate Services and may be used in future promotional materials.

2020 Essay Contest Application

The deadline is Wednesday, April 1, 2020

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Funding for this award is made possible by

Jim McGrath,

Associate Broker, ReMax Premier

2017 Essay winner Harry Kamian (right) and James McGrath, McGrath Real Estate (left)

Jim McGrath is honored to sponsor the FSYF Essay contest in honor of his parents, Ed and Peg McGrath (a Foreign Service family with 4 children) who after their travels in 1976 founded MR Real Estate and set the standard for representing Foreign Service members in every aspect of residential property management and sales brokerage in Northern Virginia.

The McGrath family had multiple overseas postings over a 30 year career so Jim understands the sacrifices and unique opportunities of FS lifestyle and appreciates the support offered by FSYF. Serving the real estate needs of his clients stationed throughout the world and witnessing firsthand how FSYF assists our youth and families, in making the most of their experience, the McGraths are honored to sponsor FSYF!

JimMcGrathRealEstate.com

Foreign Service Youth Foundation (FSYF)

PO Box 50663 Arlington, VA 22205

703.731.2960