Source: Plano Star-Courier
Kevin Wei, of Plano, placed first in the National Center for Policy Analysis’s (NCPA) Young Patriot Essay Contest, with his essay on the relationship between individual freedom and social and economic prosperity.
Wei, a junior at Greenhill School, was one of hundreds of applicants to the Young Patriot Essay Contest, a joint effort between the National Center for Policy Analysis and Debate Central designed to challenge middle and high school students to creatively solve problems in the realm of economics and public policy through the art of writing. He took first place, and was awarded a $5,000 scholarship for his writing skills.
“Both history and economic theory vigorously support the notion that liberty is a key driver of prosperity,” wrote Wei in his essay. “Without liberty, entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates would never have succeeded in the world; it is only when individuals possess the liberty to act freely in their private and economic lives, through the virtues of free trade and an open economy, that businesspeople are able to generate progress and affluence.”
Wei’s essay, entitled “Individual Freedom and Prosperity: Lessons from History and Theory,” will be published at Debate Central and the NCPA’s websites. Wei and his parent were presented with his award by NCPA President and CEO Allen West and Chairman of the Board Steve Ivy at a luncheon on Wednesday.
“While all of the essays we received this year were impressive, Kevin’s stood out as uniquely well-researched and insightful,” said NCPA Director of Youth Programs Rachel Stevens. “All of us here at the NCPA are thrilled to provide a scholarship to help this excellent young man achieve his future goals.”