Bonnie Perdue Joins Essay 250 Official Launch

The Essay 250 Contest is an AmCham China initiative that connects the 250^th anniversary of the United States with education and the unique experiences of American students living and studying in China. Students are invited to reflect on what America means to them, including its values, history, and future, through the lens of their lives as Americans abroad.

Tuesday’s events brought together students, faculty, and members of the broader American community in Beijing for an afternoon celebrating education, cultural exchange, and the upcoming 250^th anniversary of the United States.

At the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), AmCham China Chairman James Zimmerman (pictured below) opened with remarks on the importance of educational and people-to-people exchanges.

Bonnie Perdue (pictured below) also addressed attendees, encouraging students to reflect on their experiences as young Americans living abroad and to share their perspectives through writing.

She described the contest as an opportunity for students in China to contribute to the broader America 250 commemoration and encouraged participants to write about topics including family traditions, hometown memories, and cross-cultural experiences growing up in China.

As part of the initiative, Zimmerman also announced cash prizes of $500 for the winners in each of the competition’s three categories (for Elementary, Middle, and High School students), plus $200 for each of the three runners-up. Essays will be judges by a select panel of American authors and journalists.

Later in the day, a similar event took place at the International School of Beijing (ISB), with the essay launch forming part of the opening ceremony for ISB’s 45^th Anniversary Exhibition.

Click here to learn more about the Essay 250 Contest.