Congrats to Lassiter Junior Arik Tsfati for earning the Susan G. Mason Founder's Award in the Georgia Laws of Life essay contest. His essay entitled "The Will to Live", was one of only eight of 33,000 submissions to win at the state level. Arik will travel to Florida on April 29 to read his essay at the Rotary District 6900 conference as part of this recognition. 

The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest is a character education and ethical literacy program for teenagers that encourages them to articulate their values and ideals while also recognizing and rewarding good character. 

Centered around the theme of hope and perseverance, Arik chose to write his essay about his great-grandfather, Abe Shancer, and Abe's strong-will, determination, and survival during the Holocaust. "My great-grandfather's story helped inspire me when my family moved across the country recently and I was faced with new challenges," said Arik. "I wanted to preserve his legacy through my writing."

Check out his winning submission below: