A student from Unanderra Public School has taken out the Sam Lewis Peace Prize with a moving video urging world leaders to “choose peace before it’s too late”.
Willow Williams impressed the judges with her powerful and thought-provoking video essay, which addressed the theme ‘Believe in peace in 2025’.
“Imagine a world where borders become puzzles waiting to be solved; where soldiers build hope instead of sending bombs,” Willow said in the video (which we hope to upload at a later date).
“Maybe peace was always there, waiting for someone to choose it.”
The award was accepted on Willow’s behalf by Unanderra PS Federation Representative Rachel Prior.
Established in 1983, the Sam Lewis Peace Prize honours former Federation president and lifelong peace advocate Sam Lewis by inviting NSW public education students to submit creative works exploring themes of world peace and justice.
Sam Lewis’s daughter Jeannie Lewis said she was delighted the Sam Lewis Peace Prize still struck a chord with students.
“My dad would have been so proud and humbled at the inauguration and continuation of this award in his honour,” Jeannie said.
2026 competition now open
Entries are now open for the 2026 Sam Lewis Peace Prize, with the theme ‘Sowing seeds of peace.
A $5400 prize pool is up for grabs. Click here for more information.