March 1

Essay Contest

Each year the Freedom Festival Essay Contest gives rise to expressions of patriotism from students in K-12th grades throughout the nation. This year’s theme focuses on the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights*. Deadline is February 26. Students may choose to write about the purposes and applications of the First Amendment that may include its history, adoption, and recognition of significant individuals involved. Or they may write on any concept or specific freedom included in the First Amendment such as the Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Freedom to peacefully Assemble, and Freedom to Petition the Government. Students may also apply the First Amendment protections to current or historical situations and court cases.
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  • March 1 ·
  • Provo
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Contest Guidelines

Essay Contest Procedures

  1. The Freedom Festival Essay Contest is open to ALL Students in grades K-12, whether in traditional public schools, public chartered schools, private schools, or home schools.
  2. All entries must be received no later than March 1.
  3. All submitted essays must include a completed Contest Entry.  No personal or identifying information may appear on the essay itself.  (No names, grades, teachers’ names or school names on the essays.)
  4. Winners will be notified by email when judging is completed.  Original essays will not be returned.

How-to Submit

Click here to complete entry form and submit essay.

Judging Criteria

Entries are judged on a student’s exposition of the theme, depth of insight, writing skill and sincerity of tone.  Suggested essay length is two pages (typing is optional).  A submitted essay must be the student’s own work.

 

2025 Essay Contest Winners!

Grades K-3

Freedom Award:
Aarav Mokha,
Challenger School Shawnee,
San Jose, CA

Grades 7-9

Freedom Award:
Kaleigh Hess,
Lake Mountain Middle School,
Saratoga Springs, UT

Patriot Award:

Coby Adams,
River Rock Elementary,
Lehi, UT

Patriot Award:

Bella Anne Snyder,
Homeschool,
Heber City, UT

Liberty Award:

Hazel Gelder,
Highland Elementary,
Highland, UT

Liberty Award (Tie):

Eliza Hepworth,
Believe Academy,
Murray, UT

Sanvi Kumar
Challenger School,
Santa Clara, CA

Patriot Award (Tie):

Yangyu Ye,
Challenger School,
Sunnyvale, CA

Maryanne Mitchell,
My Tech High,
Bountiful, UT

Grades 10-12

Freedom Award:
Catalina Guillamont
MAST Academy,
Miami Springs, FL

Liberty Award (Tie):

Dana Lin,
Challenger School,
Los Altos, CA

Rain Wang,
Wasatch Jr. High,
Salt Lake City, UT

Patriot Award:

Rebecca Wistisen,
Viewmont High School,
Woods Cross, UT

Liberty Award:

Elliana Crabtree,
Tooele High School,
Tooele, UT

Download The Educational Events Poster

Submission deadline – March 1

Awards & Prizes

  • Grade 10-12: Win up to $500.00
  • Grade 7-9: Win up to $200.00
  • Grade 4-6: Win up to $100.00
  • Grade K-3: Win up to $75.00

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