High School Essay Contest 

Deadline: April 24, 2026
​All essay recipients will be notified the week of May 15, 2026.
​
All award recipients will be recognized at the 2025 Iowa Juneteenth Jubilee on Thursday, June 18, 2026. 
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].

Submit Essay

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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: 

1. Scholarship
2. Cultural Diversity
3. Enhancement of community relations. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Essays must be a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 700 words.
2. Essays may be typed or word-processed (double spaced).
3. 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.
4. 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.

TOP HONORS: 
​Each of the three winning essayists will receive a trophy. In addition, the first-place winner will receive a $1,000.00 cash prize, the second-place winner will receive a $500.00 cash prize, and the third-place winner will receive a $250.00 cash prize. The trophies and cash prizes are presented at an Iowa Juneteenth Jubilee on Thursday, June 19. All winning essayists must be present to receive their trophies/cash prizes. 

For questions and additional information, please contact:  Nautika Bradley at [email protected].  

​2023 Essay Contest Winners

First Place Winner
Aubrey Todsen
Parkview Middle School
​West Des Moines, Iowa

2nd Place Winner
Kiara Jones
Hoover High School
​Des Moines, Iowa

Third Place Winner
Frise Munkia
North High School
​Des Moines, Iowa