The title for 2009 was:

"In life, the meaning comes in living." (James Hemming, Individual Morality, p.191). Discuss.

The James Hemming Essay Prize awards were given to:

1st Prize – Alex Mace of Ripley St Thomas CE High School (£1000)

2nd Prize – Sam Dennis of Cockermouth School (£500)

3rd Prize – Joshua Brown of University College School (£250)

The winners received their prizes from philosopher Julian Baggini at a ceremony at London’s Conway Hall on Tuesday 18th August 2009, including prize money provided by the South Place Ethical Society, books from the British Humanist Association and a year's subscription to New Humanist.  The prize winner's colleges and schools have received books from the British Humanist Association and a free online subscription to New Humanist.