E. James Holland Symposium on American Values Student Contest
Currently enrolled ASU students are eligible to win cash prizes for submitting their work to the Holland Symposium Student Contest.
Submissions will be judged by an interdisciplinary panel of faculty on originality/creativity, depth of thought and relation to the Symposium topic. Entries to the contest must include a submission of the online form below and follow any additional instructions specified by the categories below.
Contest Information
Prizes
$100 - First prize in each category
$50 - Runner-up in each category
Submission Deadline
Friday, April 18, at 11:59 p.m.
The 2025 Holland Symposium Student Contest welcomes essays and visual art in response to the central question:
How can developing “Good Energy” in our lives help us retain creativity and critical thinking?
Attend the Symposium keynote with our special guest, Sarah Collins, followed by a Q&A with ASU psychology professor, Dr. Nicole Lozano, to generate ideas!
Categories and Instructions
Energy is more than just a feeling—it’s a force that shapes our experiences, relationships and the way we move through the world. Inspired by the “Good Energy Club” keynote, write a piece of creative writing that explores the impact of energy, intention and mindset.
You may choose to write in one of the following formats:
A short story about a character whose energy changes the course of their life—or the lives of others.
A personal narrative/essay reflecting on a moment when energy played a pivotal role in your journey, or how you can intentionally cultivate and maintain good energy in different aspects of your life.
A poem or series of poems that capture the essence of good energy, transformation or resilience.
A fictional journal entry or letter from someone discovering the power of energy and intention in their life.
If you choose to pursue a short story or personal narrative/essay, your piece should be between 750 to 1000 words. Each piece should be thoughtfully structured, and you should consider ways to weave in the themes discussed.
Essays should be submitted as a .pdf document through the online form. Any sources referenced must be cited according to MLA style.
Design a piece that captures how fun and positivity can brighten everyday life and foster meaningful connections.
Paintings, photographs, sculpture, prints, computer graphics and multi-media work are invited in this category.
Visual art entries should consist of:
A brief written artist’s statement explaining how the work relates to the symposium topic (100-250 words). Please submit this through the online form as a .pdf document.
Delivery of the work itself to Dr. Leila Yarian. Deliver to office or email, depending on the medium.
Submission Form
The submission period for this form has now ended.
