Dan Matthews, Creator of the 9/11 Essay Competition

The “Reflections of 9/11” High School Essay Competition arose from the incredible creativity of Dan Matthews, Decorated Lt. Col Ret. of the US Airforce. Dan served in the Viet Nam and the Gulf wars. After this, he was a commercial airlines pilot and instructor for 30 years. About 2 weeks before the end of this school year, Dan conceived the idea of a “Student Essay Competition”. He engaged the interest and participation of 42 public and private high schools in Snohomish County. The Winning student will receive the $1,500 top prize and the opportunity to present the student Essay at our 9/11 Remembrance Event.