WASHINGTON, DC -- The free market Americans for Prosperity Foundation today announced the winners of its Social Security essay contest for students in grades four through 12. The first-place winners in the two divisions will each win $250 for their winning essays.

"Young Americans have the most to lose if the current Social Security system is not reformed," said Americans for Prosperity Foundation executive vice president Michelle Korsmo. "We applaud these students and the dozens of students from across America who participated in the contest for taking such an interest in their future."

Winners of the junior division (Grades 4-8):

First Prize: Andrew Teutsch, Bryant Elementary School, Sioux City, Iowa

Runner-Up: Esha Khurana, Pierce Middle School, Westchester, Penn.

Third Place: Mathew Brougham, St. James School, Erie, Penn.

Winners of the senior division (Grades 9-12):

First Prize: Beth Wollman, Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill , NC

Runner-Up: Claire O'Connor, Villa Walsh Academy, Basking Ridge, NJ

Third Place: Pamela Evers, Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto, Calif.

"These young people understand that Social Security is on an unsustainable path and have demonstrated their ability to advocate constructive solutions to the problem," Korsmo said. "We hope their representatives in Congress will keep the views of their young constituents in mind when deciding issues of tremendous importance to them."