High School Essay Contest
2027 Applications Open: January 1, 2027
All award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Iowa Juneteenth Jubilee on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].
All award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Iowa Juneteenth Jubilee on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].
2026 Essay Contest Winners
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First Place Winner
Sarang Lim 10th Grade Ankeny High School |
2nd Place Winner
Rickey Taylor 10th Grade East High School |
Third Place Winner
Amir Jackson 11th Grade Roosevelt High School |
2026 ESSAY QUESTION:
"What does freedom mean to you? How has learning about Juneteenth shaped your understanding of freedom, liberty, and responsible citizenship?”
Share your perspective by incorporating historical context, personal reflection, and a vision for the future.
ELIGIBILITY:
The essay contest is statewide and open to “all students” enrolled in grades 9 through 11. We encourage essayists to enlist the guidance of a teacher or other adult when completing the essay. The essay contest serves as an inspirational vehicle for youth to strengthen appreciation for:
REQUIREMENTS:
2027 Application Opens: January 1, 2027
For questions and additional information, please contact: Nautika Bradley at [email protected].
"What does freedom mean to you? How has learning about Juneteenth shaped your understanding of freedom, liberty, and responsible citizenship?”
Share your perspective by incorporating historical context, personal reflection, and a vision for the future.
ELIGIBILITY:
The essay contest is statewide and open to “all students” enrolled in grades 9 through 11. We encourage essayists to enlist the guidance of a teacher or other adult when completing the essay. The essay contest serves as an inspirational vehicle for youth to strengthen appreciation for:
- Scholarship
- Cultural Diversity
- Enhancement of community relations.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Essays must be a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 700 words.
- Essays may be typed or word-processed (double spaced).
- Essayists must use at least 5 sources of information from books, newspapers, magazines, or websites which must be listed (cited) on a separate page and submitted with the essay.
- Submit a color photo (portrait style – headshot), and 5) Complete the Student Information Form provided with this application which can be accessed at www.iowajuneteenth.com.
2027 Application Opens: January 1, 2027
For questions and additional information, please contact: Nautika Bradley at [email protected].