Over 1,600 students across Northeast Ohio entered the fifth annual Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out! essay contest, and contributed solutions to help stem the systemic effects of discrimination.

Benjamin Yoder, a sixth-grader from Copley-Fairlawn Middle School, was one of 15 finalists, according to Adam J. Teresi, the Maltz Museum's operations and media coordinator.

The essays addressed a variety of issues, from cyberbullying and racism to anti-Semitism and LGBT issues.

"Students compete for a total of $100,000 in scholarships and prizes," said Teresi in a prepared statement. "Finalists in grades 6-10 will be honored along with ten junior and senior finalists (who compete for three scholarships by giving oral presentations) at an awards ceremony on May 2 at Severance Hall."