For 16 years, the New York Times Summer Reading Contest has invited teenagers around the world to share which articles captured their attention—and why. The contest encourages students to submit either written comments or 90-second video responses, offering young readers a platform to engage critically with news and ideas that resonate with their lives. Over the course of the 10-week challenge, participants explore topics ranging from global events to cultural trends, giving insight into what matters to today’s youth.
This week, the eighth week of the contest, attracted an impressive 1,212 submissions. After careful consideration, the judges selected Viviana Thumm, a 15-year-old student from Bradenton, Florida, as the week’s winner. Her essay, which reflects deeply on a recent Times article about SNAP benefits, stood out for its honesty, personal connection, and social awareness.
Viviana’s winning essay is not just a reflection on public policy—it is a window into her childhood and the realities faced by many families who rely on social support programs. Her thoughtful approach reminds readers that behind every statistic is a human story.
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A Range of Topics Capture Teen Interest
The contest submissions highlight a remarkable variety of topics that have piqued teenagers’ curiosity. Some wrote about international events, such as a deadly earthquake in Tibet, while others focused on entertainment stories, including a figure-skating comeback, the Icelandic singer Laufey, or a series called “KPop Demon Hunters.” Several essays explored personal development, from learning a new language to navigating social dynamics, while others engaged with societal issues like the “boy crisis” or teenagers’ participation in voting.
This broad spectrum underscores that young readers are paying attention not only to breaking news but also to cultural, social, and political developments that affect their lives and communities. The contest serves as a microcosm of teenage engagement with the world, demonstrating a thoughtful, inquisitive, and socially conscious generation.
All winning essays since 2017 are available for readers to explore on the Times’ website. Contestants are welcome to participate each week until August 15, submitting reflections that reveal how journalism intersects with their personal experiences. The weekly updates guide students to the appropriate submission pages, ensuring continued accessibility and participation.
Week 8 Winner: Viviana Thumm on SNAP Benefits
Viviana Thumm’s essay is a powerful testimony to the intersection of personal history and public policy. She selected the article “What Are SNAP Benefits and How Will They Change?”, which covers recent changes to SNAP benefits under a domestic policy bill signed into law by President Trump on July 4. Her essay reveals not only a deep understanding of the topic but also a personal connection to it.
Viviana begins by recalling childhood memories that the article brought back: waiting in checkout lines while her mother hurriedly swiped the SNAP card, a memory tinged with both love and the subtle sting of shame. She writes, “I was too young to understand what shame was, but my mom did, and I felt it.” This early reflection establishes her essay’s emotional resonance, showing readers how policy decisions ripple through everyday family life.
For Viviana, SNAP was never a “handout.” It was a necessity, a lifeline during her formative years. Her mother, a middle-school teacher, worked tirelessly, yet still had to make impossible choices between groceries and gas, rent and utilities. SNAP benefits ensured that basic nutrition was possible for their family. Viviana writes, “It wasn’t because we were lazy, like politicians claim to excuse these cuts, but because rent was high, her job… didn’t pay enough, and we chose between groceries or gas. SNAP wasn’t a handout, it was the difference between starvation or hunger.”
This candid perspective provides readers with a vital reminder: policy decisions are not abstract debates. They directly affect real people’s lives, shaping their access to essential resources. Viviana’s essay transforms statistics and policy language into a human story, illustrating the profound consequences of government action—or inaction.
One line in the article particularly struck Viviana: “Republicans say the program discourages people from working.” She challenges this claim by reflecting on her mother’s experience, noting that she worked full-time yet still relied on SNAP to provide nutritious meals. Viviana also emphasizes the resourcefulness and resilience of families who must rely on assistance, recounting parents who creatively used food bank donations to provide comfort and nourishment.
Her essay moves beyond mere personal narrative, addressing broader social perceptions. Viviana observes how easily society can demonize the poor when policymakers—or the public—fail to empathize. Through her eyes, readers gain insight into the lived experience of hunger, economic struggle, and the dignity inherent in survival. She writes, “This article reminded me how easy it is to demonize the poor when you’ve never stood in their shoes… It reminded me that policy matters.”
The Power of Personal Reflection in Journalism
Viviana’s essay exemplifies the power of personal reflection in journalism. By linking the article’s content to her lived experiences, she bridges the gap between abstract policy and human impact. Her writing demonstrates that understanding public policy is not just an academic exercise—it requires empathy, awareness, and critical thinking.
The Times Summer Reading Contest, by encouraging such reflections, nurtures these skills in young readers. Students learn to engage actively with news, ask questions, and evaluate how stories connect to their own lives. The contest also emphasizes the importance of clear, articulate communication, allowing participants to convey complex ideas in concise and compelling ways.
Viviana concludes her essay with a call to awareness and action: “I chose this article because it wasn’t just news to me, it was my life, and I’m not done standing up for people who still live it.” This sentiment embodies the spirit of the contest—young people using their voices to reflect, advocate, and participate in the public conversation.
Recognizing Runners-Up and Honorable Mentions
In addition to Viviana’s essay, the judges selected several runners-up and honorable mentions. These submissions, representing diverse interests and perspectives, further highlight the curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking of teen readers. From exploring cultural phenomena to analyzing current events, these students demonstrate an impressive range of engagement with the world around them.
By sharing these essays, the Times encourages other young readers to see the value of paying attention, forming opinions, and expressing themselves. The contest is not only a celebration of reading and writing but also a platform for building civic awareness and media literacy.
Continuing the Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Contest remains open through August 15, offering teens opportunities to reflect on the articles that matter most to them. Each week presents a new chance to engage with journalism, share personal insights, and have their voices heard. Students can submit essays or short videos, and winners receive recognition, inspiring both participants and readers to explore issues thoughtfully and critically.
For sixteen years, the contest has demonstrated the power of youth engagement in media. Teens like Viviana Thumm remind us that the stories we read are not just information—they are experiences that shape perspectives, foster empathy, and ignite advocacy. Her essay on SNAP benefits is a testament to this impact, showing that personal narrative can illuminate policy in ways numbers alone never could.
The Summer Reading Contest continues to serve as a bridge between journalism and young readers, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and understanding. By celebrating thoughtful engagement, the Times inspires the next generation of informed, compassionate, and active citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Summer Reading Contest?
The Summer Reading Contest is an annual program by The New York Times that invites teenagers worldwide to share reflections on recent articles. Participants can submit written essays or 90-second video responses.
Who won Week 8 of the contest?
Viviana Thumm, a 15-year-old student from Bradenton, Florida, won Week 8 with her essay reflecting on a Times article about SNAP benefits.
What article did Viviana Thumm write about?
She wrote about the article “What Are SNAP Benefits and How Will They Change?”, which discussed proposed cuts to SNAP benefits in a domestic policy bill signed by President Trump on July 4.
Why did Viviana connect personally to the article?
Viviana’s family relied on SNAP benefits during her childhood. Her essay reflects on how the program helped her family, countering misconceptions that SNAP is a “handout.”
What themes did Viviana’s essay highlight?
Her essay emphasizes empathy, the real-life impact of policy decisions, and the importance of understanding social programs beyond stereotypes.
How many submissions did Week 8 receive?
Week 8 received 1,212 submissions from teenagers worldwide.
Can students still participate in the Summer Reading Contest?
Yes, the contest continues weekly until August 15. Students can submit reflections on articles that capture their attention and explain why.
Conclusion
Viviana Thumm’s essay reminds us that behind every policy debate are real people whose lives are directly affected. The Summer Reading Contest highlights how teenagers engage thoughtfully with news, blending personal experience with critical reflection. By sharing their voices, young readers like Viviana not only illuminate important social issues—such as the role of SNAP—but also inspire empathy, awareness, and action.
