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.
Click HERE to purchase tickets to the Juneteenth Jubilee.
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.
Click HERE to purchase tickets to the Juneteenth Jubilee.
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].