A Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School student received a $10,000 scholarship this past week from CVS Pharmacy and Unilever Home and Personal Care.

Sara Bender, a senior at the high school, had submitted an essay as part of The Leaders for Learning Essay Contest which is sponsored by CVS and Unilever. She was one of five national winners selected from the over 1,200 submissions.

The 2nd Annual Leaders for Learning Essay Contest was open to elementary through college students. Entry forms were available at CVS stores located in 24 states. Participants were asked to write about whom they considered a "leader for learning" and why. The winners were determined on the basis of creativity, content and persuasiveness.

"This essay contest was a way for both Unilever and CVS to take a leadership role in bringing education and learning to families across the nation," said Laura Cammarota, marketing manager for Unilever. "We recognize that education is a key component to helping consumers feel self-confident."

In addition to her award, a $2,000 donation was presented to Arthur Jonas, principal, to be used for educational programs at the school.