Ben Shuster ’17 was recognized by the Anti-Defamation League as the Grand Prize Winner for his essay, “Eyes Wide Open,” which he wrote after attending the Anti-Defamation League’s 9^th Annual Youth Leadership Conference in October. The essay contest on “Exploring Diversity, Challenging Hate” was open to students from 46 schools who had participated in the daylong meeting. In the piece, Ben wrote that the conference had been transformative for him in many ways as he listened to others’ stories and discussed different ways to confront hurtful language and actions against gays, religions and people of color. “I hope to keep building with the diversity program at my school, trying to learn more about myself and others,” he wrote. The judges said his essay resonated with them because of “its honest and reflective narrative.” Along with an ADL certificate, Ben will get a $300 check.