Maeve's essay, 'Why do states try to regulate human bodies?', was rated in the Top 50 of over 1,000 entries. The judges wrote "We thought you might like to know that your essay made the longlist of best essays, those we considered for the shortlist but which just missed out. It was a highly competitive year, and so to come close to being on the shortlist is a significant achievement. We are therefore awarding you a commendation for this essay."

The Cambridge R.A. Butler Prize is an annual essay competition in politics and international studies, open to students in Year 12 or L6th Form. The Prize is a joint initiative between Trinity College, Cambridge, and the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS). The prize aims to encourage students with an interest in modern politics and world affairs to consider undergraduate study in politics, international relations, or related disciplines. It also formally recognises the intellectual achievements of high-calibre students and the contributions of their teachers.

In her essay, 'Why do states try to regulate human bodies?', Maeve examines state bodily regulation across three interconnected ideas: through the illusion of the Liberal ideology of self-ownership, the economic discipline created through Industrial Capitalism, and finally, using Foucault’s theories surrounding sexual and internalised regulation – where power reshapes the individual from within.

Maeve is studying A Levels in English Literature, History and Politics. She will be using her essay to make early university applications. Well done and good luck, Maeve!