Irvington Middle School Student Recognized in National Junior Scholars Essay Contest

Irvington Middle School seventh grader Ryder Beckim has earned national recognition after winning the Future Explorers Award in the 2025 Junior Scholars Essay Contest hosted by Lumiere Education. 

The highly competitive contest received more than 1,100 essay submissions from students representing 53 countries, with entries evaluated by professors from Ivy League institutions and other top universities. Ryder’s award includes a 500 dollar scholarship and an invitation to participate in Lumiere Education’s eight week Junior Explorer Program. 
Ryder learned about the contest through his seventh grade ELA teacher, Taylor Ramos, who shared the opportunity with her students as a way to encourage writing beyond the classroom and engagement with real world topics. Ryder showed immediate interest in the challenge and the essay prompts, and was eager to form his own position, support it with research, and present his thinking to a wider audience. 

Ryder’s essay, titled Almost Perfect, examined the ethical use of artificial intelligence in education. His piece explored both the benefits and potential concerns of AI in essay writing and emphasized the importance of maintaining student voice and independent thinking while using technology as a learning tool. 

As a writer and student, Ryder is described as thoughtful, motivated, and committed to improving his work. He demonstrates a strong academic voice, the ability to organize ideas clearly, integrate research effectively, and consider multiple perspectives, all of which were reflected in his contest submission. 

Reflecting on the recognition, Ryder shared that winning the contest was both exciting and surprising, and that the experience helped him recognize his strengths as a writer. “This achievement not only gave me confidence,” he said, “but it also reminded me how powerful my writing can be when I put effort, thought, and passion into it.” 

Ryder added that the opportunity has opened new possibilities for his academic growth, and he is likely to participate in the mentorship program as a way to continue developing his skills as a student and writer. 

Irvington Middle School congratulates Ryder on this impressive accomplishment and celebrates both his dedication to thoughtful, meaningful learning and the role of teachers in encouraging students to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.