North Springs High School sophomore Maria Valentina Rodriguez earned top honors in the 2025 Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest for her story title “The Suitcase.”
Rodriguez was named the school winner in the statewide character-focused writing competition, according to a news release. Her essay explores a formative life experience and the lasting wisdom passed down by her grandmother. The release said the essay stood out among entries that challenged students to reflect on core values and meaningful life lessons.
“I am appreciative of this opportunity and being recognized for my Laws of Life essay,” said Rodriguez, according to the release.
Rodriguez said that writing about something so personal was difficult, impactful, and healing. She shared a meaningful quote her grandmother told her, ‘Todo llega a su debido tiempo, solo ten fe’ — everything comes at its time, just have faith.”
Rodriguez is one of five North Springs students honored at the school level. The following students also received honorable mentions for their essays:
• Theo Ballowe, 9th Grade
• Treasure Omorodion, 10th Grade
• Christian Cain, 10th Grade
• Carson Mayeske, 11th Grade
North Springs’ winners were honored at a special luncheon hosted by the Sandy Springs Rotary Club on April 21. Students, families, educators, and community leaders gathered to celebrate their achievements.
Now in its 17th year, the Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest encourages high school students to reflect on personal experiences and the values that guide their lives with 500- to 700-word essays. Rotary received 30,394 submissions from students across Georgia. Judges selected 140 essays as school winners from among 65 participating high schools.