Essay Topic:
American History 1776 – 2026. The core values of the American Revolution were rooted in Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing liberty, equality, natural rights, popular sovereignty (government by the consent of the governed), and the rule of law. These values were expressed in the Declaration of Independence and later in the Constitution, forming the basis of the new republic while also sparking ongoing debates about their practical application and extension to all people. How did these values persist or change over the past 250 years?
Contest Rules:
- The contest is open to all students, grades 9-12 (including public, private, parochial, as well as homeschooled).
- Your essay must address the topic above.
- Your essay must include a title and be 750-1,000 words in length.
- The entire essay must be the student’s original work. This includes all research, writing and editing, which must be done by the student and not by a parent, teacher, tutor, AI, or other helper.
- Your essay must be submitted as a MS Word document file, double-spaced, and in 12-point Tahoma font.
- If sources are used, your essay must include a bibliography.
- Only essays submitted via email will be accepted.
Prizes: First-place prize is $150; Second-place prize is $100; Third-place prize is $75
Entries will be judged on the basis of:
- Originality of thought
- Content
- Skill in organizing and presenting ideas
- Grammar, spelling and composition
Deadline: All entries should be emailed by 5 p.m. on February 13, 2026.
How to Apply:
- Email contest submissions as an attached Word document to: [email protected]
- The Subject line of the email should say America 250 Essay Contest
- Include the following in the text of the email: The title of the essay, student’s name, email address and home address, name of school, and teacher’s full name, email address and phone number.
