All Divisions ( Grades 5 through 12 )

The August 2021 report from the United Nations says that the changes in
climate to date have little parallel in human history. The impact of these
changes on our planet is causing significant damage to its habitats and
ecosystems. Ocean levels have risen 8 inches on average over the past
century. Heat waves have become hotter and last much longer around the
world. Wildfire weather has worsened across large areas of the globe. Bursts
of extreme heat in the ocean — which can kill fish, seabirds and coral reefs
— have doubled in frequency since the 1980’s. Division II ( grades 9 & 10 )
Name School Teacher
While people and ecosystems around the globe are experiencing the results First
of these changes in our past climate patterns, certain populations will be Trexler Porter Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
especially vulnerable as the consequences of these changes impact their Second
very existence. Due to the impact on food supplies, livelihoods, lands and Athena Envieh John H. Pitman HS Jeans, Katherine
health, peace among peoples around the world could be severely Third
threatened as people struggle to survive. Kaitlyn Greene Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Finalists
When each of us embraces a deep reverence and gratitude for the earth that Asma Al Sumairi Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
sustains us, we must also encourage others to do the same. "Inclusive and Jonathan Birmingham Oakdale Charter Jessica Menefee
green economies, prosperity, cleaner air and better health are possible for all, Iris Cortez Oakdale Charter Jessica Menefee
Zoie Fischer Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
if we respond to this crisis with solidarity and courage" says the UN
Melody Hughes Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
Secretary-General António Guterres.
Hazel Hunter Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
Wyatt Jones Oakdale Charter Tim Parola
The 2022 Peace Essay Contest invites you to study and learn about some Jaeden Mendez Oakdale Charter Tim Parola
of the environmental extremes we are experiencing around the world due Sumer Pannu Modesto HS Pereira, Jennifer
to the changes in our climate. Especially take note of those whose lives are Leif Ryun Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells
(or will be) negatively impacted by these changes. In your essay:

• Identify and describe one of the negative environmental changes you

studied.
• Explain who bears the consequences of the change and the effect it
could have on their lives. For example, how does or could it affect their
food supply, land, livelihoods or health?
• Tell what scientists believe has caused the negative change and what
needs to happen to make it better or keep it from getting worse.
• Close by sharing your view about the importance of caring for our world
and helping all people to live in a safe and sustainable way, thereby
promoting peace and well-being around the world.
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 Division I ( grades 11 & 12 )
Division III ( grades 7 & 8 )
Name School Teacher
Name School Teacher
First
First
Rachel Warter Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
Ethan Tornberg James Enochs HS Hallsteinsson, Andy
Second
Second
Joseph Hajjar Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Sydney Tohara Oakdale Charter Jessica Menefee
Third
Third
Sophie Benham Hickman Charter Elem T Kline/B Bergthold
Madalynn Kuprienko Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee
Honorable Mentions
School Winners Ava-Maria Leijten Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Madalynn Kuprienko Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Akhil Patel Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Deetya Thogarucheeti Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
Finalists School Winners
Alexandro Aguilar Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Rachel Warter Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
Isheah Al Sumairi Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells Joseph Hajjar Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Brianna Ceja Modesto HS Jacquemin, Heather Mirella Fregoso Torres Yolo MS K Santor/B Decator
Elena Fisher Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Ava-Maria Leijten Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Seth Harcrow Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Finalists
Isabella Holmes Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Avery Barcelos Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Calvin Hunter Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells Elazar Bengochea Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Ethan Jones Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Aneel Brar Prescott Junior High Tobin, Maia
Conner La Rosa Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Zoe Byron Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Luke Mountain Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Jedidiah Chen Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Xavier Pabon Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Daniela Duarte Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Cierra Perez Petersen Altrn Cntr Demitria Etchegary Avery Gleason Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Ella Peterson Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Julia Hartley Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
David Romero Hughson HS Ruelas, Karalee Hasan Modan Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
Jasmine Valencia Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells Sergio Mosqueda Oakdale Jr HS Hawksworth, Dee
Wyatt Wright Oakdale Charter Jeannette Ves'sells Olivia Piazza Gratton Elem Rexann Casteel
Nancy Munoz Rodriquez Modesto HS Jacquemin, Heather Derek Sun Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 
Aidan Suntra Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Emmalee Vang Prescott Junior High Gorton, Jennifer 

School Winners are recognized for the top essay from a school
that has submitted 10 or more essays in the Division

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 Special Thanks to
Division IV ( grades 5 & 6 )
Name School Teacher 2022 Screeners and Judges
First
Nathan Robinson Sonoma Elem Grgich, Gina
Second Richard Anderson
Alivia Morris John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren Steve Collins
Third Jim Costello
Atticus Broglio John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren Karhla Davies
Honorable Mentions Donna Flanders
Sfirling Soelberg Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David David Franklin
Santiago Pinedo Sonoma Elem Grgich, Gina Pam Franklin
Kenna Middleton Lakewood Elem Otilia Anderson Lorrie Freitas
School Winners Elaine Gorman
Sfirling Soelberg Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David Nancy Haskett
Alivia Morris John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren Annaliese Hausler-Akpovi
Finalists Maree Hawkins
Shijoon Alshami Bernard Hughes Elem Katherine Chong Anna Hazen
Vivianna Barron-Robles Sonoma Elem Grgich, Gina Linda Knoll
Gia Brown John Fremont Elem Hanzel-Sello, Levi Judy Kropp
Audrey Brown John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren John Lucas
Ilana Cohen Sonoma Elem Grgich, Gina Ann Marie Mangini
Rajveer Dhillon Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David Tom Myers
Sloane Dingeldein Hickman Charter Elem T Kline/B Bergthold Dan Onorato
Giles Doud John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren Kaye Osborn
Elijah Elkins John Fremont Elem Hanzel-Sello, Levi
Sheila Rose
Charles Griffith John Fremont Elem Hanzel-Sello, Levi
Linda Scheller
Advin Li Hart Ransom Acad Chtr Susan Janis
Tim Smart
Nathan Paul John Fremont Elem Arnold, Doren
Lise Talbott
Sooraj Toor Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David
Henrietta Van Konynenburg
Susan Wong Agnes Baptist Elem Toni David
Marianne Villalobos

T-Shirts Peggy Hoover

School Winners are recognized for the top essay from a school that has submitted
10 or more essays in the Division

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First Place - Division I
Ethan Tornberg
James Enochs High School Teacher Andy Hallsteinsson
The Withering Fields

First Place - Division II

Trexler Porter
Hart Ransom Academic Charter Teacher Susan Janis
Sea Levels Rising Due to Climate Change

First Place - Division III

Rachel Warter
Prescott Jr High School Teacher Jennifer Gorton
Protecting Our Coral and Preserving Our Peace

First Place - Division IV

Nathan Robinson
Sonoma Elementary Teacher Gina Grgich
How Climate Change Affects the Weather

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WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Stella Baratlis, MC
Librarian – MJC
Leng Nou – Presenter
we have done in the past 50 years and our plans for the future.
CONGRATULATIONS AND CERTIFICATE
US Representative Josh Harder, 10 District
th
CA State Senator Andreas Borgeas, 8 th District
CA State Senator Anna Caballero, 12 th District
CA State Senator Susan Eggman, 5 th District
CA State Assemblyman Adam Gray, 21 st District
CA State Assemblyman Heath Flora 12 th District
~ CLOSING ~
"I have learned you are never
too small to make a difference.
You must take action. You must
do the impossible. Because
giving up is never an option.”
Greta Thunberg, Winner
2019 International
Children’s Peace Prize
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The Modesto Peace/Life Center
For over 50 years the Modesto Peace/Life Center has been working to
promote peace, social and economic justice, and a sustainable
environment in our community, country and the world. Besides this Peace
Essay Contest, the Center sponsors a number of other events.
50 Years Celebration of Peace Life Center TBA
Come celebrate with good music, food and fellowship, the good work
Earth Day Graceada Park. Sat, April TBA 10 am - 4:30 pm
Peace/Life Center Booth with buttons, bumper stickers, and more.
Annual Pancake Breakfast Sun, June TBA 8:00 am till noon.
Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto,
Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast with wonderful variety of pancakes,
and meet good people all to raise funds for Peace Center programs.
Family Peace Camp Fri afternoon through Sun, June TBA
Camp Peaceful Pines on the Clark's Fork in the High Sierra.
Activities for adults and young people.
Relaxation, fun, and recharging for all.
Harvest Gathering October
Holiday Potluck Song Fest December
John McCutcheon Music Concert TBA
Vigils for Peace and Economic Justice TBA
Modesto's Martin Luther King, Jr. Event, Feb 2023 TBA
On-line newspaper, Stanislaus Connections
The Center is committed to helping make a better society and world
through nonviolence. We welcome everyone who wants to join us in this
vital work. Thank you for your involvement in the 2022 Peace Essay Contest.
Your encouragement of a child's thinking and writing contributes to our
becoming a more thoughtful, kind and peaceful society.
To learn more:
Check out our website online: http://peacelifecenter.org/ ,
Check out the newspaper http://stanislausconnections.org/ ,
Look at our online videos at http://vimeo.com/user9154856/ videos ,
Call the Center at 529-5750.
Special Thanks to Our Donors 2022 Awards Reception
Friday, April 1, 2022
Margaret J. Barker
Yolanda Borland
Sylvan M. Bupp
Anonymous
Central Valley Democratic Club
Indira Clark
Randy Crimmel
Pat & Leroy Egenberger
Pam & Phil Franklin
Delta Monthly Meeting of Friends
Elaine Gorman
Judy Kropp
Anonymous
John & Lynn Lucas
Jane Manley & Ricardo. Córdova
Mary Menz
Modesto Teachers Association
Tom Myers
Dan & Mary Alice Onorato in honor
& memory of Shelly Scribner
Bill & Cathie Peck
Maria Potochnik Sponsored by:
Deborah Roberts
David Rockwell & Nancy Smith Modesto Peace/Life Center
Sandy Sample 829 13th Street • P.O. Box 134 • Modesto, CA 95353
Mimsie Farrar & Ken Schroeder and
Shelly Scribner Division of Literature and Language Arts
Bob Tucker
David Tucker & Linda Lagace
Modesto Junior College
Babette & Gary Wagner, MD 2022 Peace Essay Committee

Indira Clark, Jillian Daly, Pam Franklin, Elaine Gorman, Peggy Hoover,
Linda Lagace,Colleen Norby, Deborah Roberts,Shelly Scribner, David Tucker