Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District

Los Gatos High School Student Awarded Finalist in
John Locke Global Essay Competition

Los Gatos, March 7, 2023: The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District is proud to announce that Los Gatos High School sophomore Leo Dai has been awarded Commendation as a finalist in the John Locke Institute Essay Competition, a highly prestigious essay competition open to students throughout the world. Honorees are invited to attend the award ceremony at Oxford University in England.

 

Leo’s essay in the Psychology category, “Is there any mental illness that isn’t ultimately physical?” concludes that all mental illnesses likely have some physical component. Through an extensive literature review and analysis, Leo shares that while some minor mental illnesses have little to no physical links, the current trend in research and preexisting knowledge means that links do in fact exist. Leo hopes that his research and essay will prompt a more holistic understanding of mental and physical health, ensuring patients will receive better care as the field of psychology continues to progress.

 

The John Locke Institute annually holds a global essay competition to encourage young people to cultivate the characteristics that turn good students into great writers. All essays are judged by a panel of senior academics drawn from leading universities, including Oxford and Princeton. The award ceremony is held every year at Oxford University.

About Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District
Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District is a thriving learning community that supports all students to develop the skills, passions, confidence, and resiliency to pursue college and/or career pathways. Home to Los Gatos High School and Saratoga High School, our students are lifelong learners who demonstrate personal integrity, social responsibility, and positive physical and mental health. Members of the LGSUHSD community make meaningful and positive contributions to the world.