You're a writer. You're a thinker. Make a statement. And a difference.

The Elie Wiesel Foundation sponsors an annual essay competition designed to challenge students to think critically and deeply about ethical issues. It's an exercise worth engaging in -- even without a contest to reward the effort.

Here's a brief summary distributed by the Foundation:

Now entering its 17th year, the Prize in Ethics Essay Contest is an annual competition designed to challenge college students to analyze the urgent ethical issues confronting them in today's complex world.
Full-time juniors and seniors at accredited four-year colleges and universities in the US are welcome to enter the Essay Contest and compete for $10,000 in prizes and the opportunity to meet Elie Wiesel in New York City.
Entry forms and additional information about the Contest is available on www.eliewieselfoundation.org.
The postmark deadline for the 2006 Essay Contest is Friday, December 9, 2005.

This year's Suggested Topics are as follows:
Reflect on the most profound moral dilemma that you have encountered and analyze what it has taught you about ethics and yourself.
Examine the ethical aspects or implications of a major literary work, a film or a significant piece of art.
What is the relation between religion and ethics in today's world?
How can ethics transform for the better a community, institution, or nation?
What is the relationship between genocide and ethics?