Texas Lions District 2-E2 Diabetic Awareness Essay Contest

The Lions of District 2-E2 invite high school students to explore the physical, emotional, and social challenges of living with diabetes. The Diabetes Awareness Essay Contest encourages students to research this important health issue, raise awareness, and propose solutions that support wellness in their communities. District winners advance to the Texas Lions MD-2 State Contest and are eligible for additional recognition and scholarships.

Students are asked to discuss the unique challenges adolescents face while managing diabetes — from balancing school, activities, and friendships to coping with emotional stress or burnout. Essays should identify positive coping strategies, available resources, and innovative ways to promote both physical and emotional wellness. Contestants are encouraged to blend research, creativity, and compassion to inspire understanding and change.

Are you ready to make a difference? The Diabetes Awareness Essay Contest gives you the chance to use your writing and research skills to inspire awareness and healthier living. You’ll:

• Raise Awareness: Help others understand the daily realities of diabetes and the emotional strength it takes to manage it.
• Promote Health: Share meaningful ideas that encourage better support and healthier habits for youth.
• Earn Recognition: Compete for scholarships and awards while representing your community and school at the District and State levels.

If you’re passionate about helping others and want to use your voice for good, this contest is for you. Step up, share your ideas, and help inspire a healthier future for your generation.

Each year, District 2-E2 recognizes outstanding young writers for their research, creativity, and dedication to service through the Diabetes Awareness Essay Contest.

• 1st Place: $2,000 scholarship and advancement to the Texas Lions MD-2 State Contest
• 2nd Place: $1,500 scholarship
• 3rd Place: $1,000 scholarship

The District winner advances to represent District 2-E2 at the Texas Lions MD-2 State Contest, where contestants from across Texas compete for additional scholarships:

• State 1st Place: $3,000 scholarship
• State 2nd Place: $2,000 scholarship
• State 3rd Place: $1,000 scholarship

Winners are recognized at both the District and State levels. The top essayists are invited to share their insights at special Lions events and youth luncheons. The State first-place winner will present their essay at the MD-2 State Convention Youth Luncheon in Odessa, Texas, on May 30, 2026.

• Students enrolled in a Texas public high school or comparable program.
• Classification: Junior, Senior, or immediate graduate at the time of the District 2-E2 contest.
• Sponsored by a participating Lions Club (we can help you find one—see “Questions?”).

1. Secure a Sponsoring Lions Club. If you need help, contact the District coordinator Lion Wanda Desmond at gro.2e2frslobfsctd-450b70@yasse.
2. Complete the Official MD-2 Opportunities for Youth Application. The application must be completed online and printed; handwritten applications are not accepted.
3. Write Your Essay. Prepare a well-researched, original essay on the assigned topic, using credible sources and creative insights.
4. Submit Required Materials. Provide four typed copies of your essay, including a bibliography, to your sponsoring club by their deadline. Clubs forward qualified entries to the District according to District instructions.

• Length: Maximum of 1,500 words (word count shown on last page).
• Format: Typed, double-spaced, and includes a bibliography (not counted in word total).
• Title: Contestants may choose their own creative essay title related to the assigned topic.
• Content: Essays must analyze the assigned topic, identify problems, and propose thoughtful, realistic solutions.
• Originality: Essays must be personally researched and written by the contestant; no assistance or AI authorship is allowed.

• 60% – Research quality, relevance, and authenticity of content
• 25% – Clarity and effectiveness of presentation (voice, pacing, and engagement in online reading)
• 15% – Grammar, sentence structure, and writing quality

• Club Submission Window: Confirm your sponsoring club’s internal deadline (recommended by early December).
• District 2-E2 Contest (In-Person Essays): Saturday, January 17 –Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 6605 Pleasant Run Rd., Colleyville, TX 76034.
• State Orientation (Online): Saturday, May 9.
• MD-2 State Contest (Online): Saturday, May 16.
• MD-2 Convention Youth Luncheon (Odessa): Saturday, May 30 – State first-place winner presents.