Supreme Court Historical Society & Write the World: “Rule of Law” Contests

This global contest welcomes entries ranging from 50 to 1,000 words in three genres: personal narrative, opinion editorial, and creative writing (e.g., poetry, songwriting, short story). Students may enter one, two, or all three categories. The final entries will be evaluated by three distinguished federal judges: the Honorable James Ho, from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; the Honorable Seth Aframe, from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit; and the Honorable Melissa DuBose, from the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The winner in each category will receive a cash prize and be published by both Write the World and The Supreme Court Historical Society. 

The competition is open to ages 13 to 19 and will run from October 6 to October 27, 2025. Students must register for a free membership with Write the World to enter. For more information, click here. 

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US:
The 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy National Scholarship (GRADES 9-12)

The 2025–26 theme is this: How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition offers high school students the opportunity to express themselves by speaking and by writing a democratic and patriotic-themed essay. Download the Voice of Democracy entry form here to submit your recording and essay to our local VFW Post.

Eligibility: Grade 9–12 students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private, parochial school, or home study program in the US, its territories, or its possessions.

Length/Formats: Your recorded original 3–5 min. essay on an audio CD or a flash drive; typed essay.

Prizes. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. 

Entries Due: 10/31/25 to our local VFW Post for judging.

Submit entries to VFW Post 3054, 8 Jones Street, Setauket, NY 11733, vfwpost3054@gmail.com

Click Here for more information and the entry form. 

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US:
The 2025-2026 Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest (GRADES 6-8)

The 2025–26 theme is this: How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?

The Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest offers middle school students the opportunity to express themselves by writing a democratic and patriotic-themed essay. Download the Patriot’s Pen entry form and submit your essay to your local VFW Post.

Eligibility: Grades 6–8 students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private, parochial school, or home study program in the US, its territories, or its possessions.

Length/Formats: Your recorded original essay should be 300-400 typewritten words.

Prizes. The national winners receive at least $500. The first place winner receives $5000.

Entries Due: 10/31/25 to our local VFW Post for judging.
Submit entries to vfwpost3054@gmail.com

Click Here for more information and the entry form.

Japan Center at Stony Brook Canon Essay Competition:

Contestants should discuss one or more aspects of Japan including Japan’s arts, cultures, traditions, values, philosophy, history, society, politics, business, and technology in relation to their personal views, experiences, and/or future goals. Maximum 750 words. Must be 13 years or older during the 2025-2026 school year. Best essay award in the high school division: 1st Place: $3000, 2nd Place: $2000, 3rd Place: $1000. Due January 8, 2026. For more details, click here.

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest:

Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act. The essay may concern an issue at the local, state, national, or international level. The maximum word count is 1,000 with a minimum of 700, not including citations and bibliography. Use at least five varied sources such as government documents, letters, newspaper articles, books, and/or personal interviews. The winner receives $10,000 as well as a trip to Boston to accept the award. Deadline: January 12, 2026. For more details, click here.

Bill of Rights Institute - MyImpact Challenge

A civic engagement contest open to middle and high school students. Each submission must include the following:
- An essay of up to 1,200 words expressing how the student's project furthers:

• At least one Civic Virtue as defined in the Bill of Rights Institute's “Principles and Virtues.”

• At least one Founding Principle as defined in the Bill of Rights Institute's “Principles and Virtues.”

• A report of up to 2,000 words detailing a student’s completed or in-progress civic engagement project. Report must include the following components.

• The inspiration for the project.

• The project plan.

•  Details of the project’s execution

• At least two examples of the project’s demonstrated impact on the community.

• How the student(s) grew in understanding of the role of Civic virtue, knowledge of their communities, and their ability to support or impact them.

• Visual documentation of the student’s project.

The contest is designed for one student per entry, but groups of up to five students may submit as a single group entry. Cash prizes will be awarded. Prizes awarded to group entries will be split evenly between entrants. 

Deadline: May 18, 2025

For more information, visit: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/my-impact-challenge