2026 West Suburban Peace Coalition Peace Essay Contest

 2026 West Suburban Peace Coalition Peace Essay Contest

Hasset Van Daele of Goshen, Indiana has been selected winner of West Suburban Peace Coalition's 2026 Peace Essay Contest. 

The annual contest requests entrants submit an essay up to 600 words on how to foster a more peaceful nation and world. The essay should be directed to a person or organization that can influence the cause of peace.

Ms. Van Daele's essay reviewed the history of the 1928 Kellogg Briand Pact "signed by the United States and 63 other countries which renounced war as an instrument of national policy and committed signatories to settle disputes by peaceful means. As a ratified treaty It remains the supreme law of the land under Article VI of the Constitution."

She submitted her essay to the Director of Mennonite Central Committee United Nations Office, a global advocacy platform, based in New York City that advocates for justice, peace and reconciliation. Ms. Van Daele was a participant in their 2024 student seminar. Director Ashley Gagne responded that her organization will include Ms. Van Daele's request to promote the Kellogg Briand Pact in future seminar programs. 

Hasset Van Daele's peace essay and response received furthers the aim of our Peace Essay Contest to promote the cause of peace in a world consumed by senseless war. 

West Suburban Peace Coalition, based in Glen Ellyn IL, awarded Hasset Van Daele $500 for her winning peace essay. 

For more information on West Suburban Peace Coalition contact Walt Zlotow, zlotow@hotmail.com, 630 442 3045