Want a motivator to take your students’ writing to a higher level? Here’s an opportunity for them to write for a real audience, and the chance to get published by an award-winning magazine.

Nancy Cullen is a student at Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School in New York City. She read and responded to the YES! Magazine interview with Curtis Acosta, "When This Teacher’s Ethnic Studies Classes Were Banned, His Students Took the District to Court—and Won" by Jing Fong. Read Nancy's essay about how a classroom visitor helped her share a secret with her classmates.

Jennifer Aguilera is a student at the Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan, Illinois. She read and responded to the YES! Magazine interview with Curtis Acosta, "When This Teacher’s Ethnic Studies Classes Were Banned, His Students Took the District to Court—and Won" by Jing Fong. Read Jennifer's essay about two teachers who taught her to love learning.

Chiwon Lee is a student at Cascadia College in Bothell, Washington. She read and responded to the YES! Magazine interview with Curtis Acosta, "When This Teacher’s Ethnic Studies Classes Were Banned, His Students Took the District to Court—and Won" by Jing Fong. Read Chiwon's essay about how her "Making It Real" class made her feel like a superhero in training.

Salma Arredondo is a student at Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas, California. She read and responded to the YES! Magazine interview with Curtis Acosta, "When This Teacher’s Ethnic Studies Classes Were Banned, His Students Took the District to Court—and Won" by Jing Fong. Read Salma's essay about her experience as a Mexican American in an American English class, and how she gained the confidence to let her light shine.

Annabel Paul is a student at Ethical Culture Fieldston Middle School in New York City. She read and responded to the YES! Magazine interview with Curtis Acosta, "When This Teacher’s Ethnic Studies Classes Were Banned, His Students Took the District to Court—and Won" by Jing Fong. Read Annabel's essay about why stories about transgender people should be included in the curriculum.

Noah Carey-Smith is a student at the Aveson School of Leaders in Altadena, California. He read and responded to the YES! Magazine interview with Curtis Acosta, "When This Teacher’s Ethnic Studies Classes Were Banned, His Students Took the District to Court—and Won" by Jing Fong. Read Noah's essay about how self-directed learning inspires him to make the world a better place.

We received many powerful essays for the Spring 2015 Writing Competition. Though not every participant can win the contest, we'd like to share some excerpts that caught our eye.

Curtis Acosta responds to the winners of the Spring 2015 "Learning That Matters" essay competition.