High School Essay Contest 

COMING SOON
Deadline: April 28, 2026
​All essay recipients will be notified the week of May 19, 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].

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ESSAY QUESTION: 
COMING SOON    ​

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