The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, in association with the Jacksonville Federal Court Bar Association, has launched its 2026 High School Essay Contest, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“The High School Essay Contest has been and continues to be an important part of the Court’s community outreach,” Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard said in a notice from the court.
“As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s contest encourages students to reflect on the enduring importance of building unity among people with diverse perspectives to achieve a collective goal. Knowledgeable and informed citizens are crucial to a healthy and functioning democracy. Through this contest and our other community outreach programs, the Court strives to educate students about the federal judiciary and the constitutional principles that have guided our nation for 250 years.”
The contest is open to 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, the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida.
Submissions will be accepted through Sept. 23, 2026.
Now in its ninth year, the essay contest is a signature component of the court’s community outreach efforts. It provides educators a meaningful way to encourage critical thinking, analysis and writing, while offering students a way to practice those skills.
The first-place essayist will receive a $2,000 cash award and will have the opportunity to shadow a U.S. district judge for a day.
Second-place prize is $1,000 and third-place prize is $500. Fourth through 10th places each will receive $150.
In addition to the essay awards, the teachers of the top three winners will each receive a $500 grant. The school with the most qualifying submissions will receive a $1,000 grant.
Winning students and their family members, teachers and school representatives will be recognized at a ceremony at the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse in Jacksonville on Dec. 2, 2026.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/3ebyewj8 for more details about the contest.