The entry period is open for the 2025 High School Essay Contest sponsored by the lawyers and judges of the U.S. Distrcit Court, Middle District of Florida and the Jacksonville Federal Court Bar Association.
All high school students—public, private, virtual and homeschool—in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Hamilton, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee and Union counties may submit an essay by Sept. 30.
In its eighth year, the contest is a signature component of the local federal court’s community outreach efforts.
It provides educators a way to encourage critical thinking, analysis and writing, while offering students a way to practice those skills and win cash prizes.
This year’s essay prompt challenges students to reflect on a personal experience involving advocacy:
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Legal Services Corp.’s initiative to realize equal access to justice for low-income Americans. While the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to legal counsel for criminal defendants who cannot afford a lawyer, this right does not extend to individuals involved in civil disputes.
“Why is it important to have someone in your corner, whether in a courtroom, an educational environment or your community?
“Describe a time when you advocated for someone else, had someone else advocate for you or believed an advocate could have helped resolve a difficult situation involving yourself or someone you know. How does your experience highlight why having an advocate is vital to creating a more just and equitable society?”
Through the court’s Bench Bar Fund, individual author prizes will be awarded: First place, $2,000; second place, $1,000; third place, $500; fourth through 10th place will receive $150 each.
Grants, $500 each, will be presented to the top three individual winners’ teachers and the school with the most qualifying essay submissions will receive a $1,000 grant.
In addition to the cash award, the first place winner will be invited to shadow a U.S. District judge for a day. Last year’s winner, Alex Lopez of Florida Virtual School, said the experience was both educational and inspiring.
Winning students, their family members, teachers and school representatives will be recognized at a ceremony at the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse on Dec. 3.
Visit tinyurl.com/bj8d4y34 for more details and the entry form.