The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, together with the Jacksonville Federal Court Bar Association, has launched its 2026 High School Essay Contest, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The contest is open to all high school students — public, private, virtual and homeschool — in Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Hamilton, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee and Union counties. The contest officially opened on Aug. 3, and submissions will be accepted through Sept. 23.
Now in its ninth year, the Essay Contest is a signature component of the court’s community outreach efforts. It provides educators a meaningful way to encourage critical thinking, analysis and writing while offering students an engaging way to practice those skills.
“The High School Essay Contest has been and continues to be an important part of the court’s community outreach,” said Marcia Morales Howard, chief U.S. district judge. “As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s contest encourages students to reflect on the enduring importance of building unity among people with diverse perspectives to achieve a collective goal. Knowledgeable and informed citizens are crucial to a healthy and functioning democracy. Through this contest and our other community outreach programs, the court strives to educate students about the federal judiciary and the constitutional principles that have guided our nation for 250 years.”
Essay Contest prizes are available as follows:
Winning students (with family members), teachers and school representatives will be recognized at a ceremony at the Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse in Jacksonville on Dec. 2.
More details about the 2026 High School Essay Contest can be found at https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/2026-high-school-essay-contest-jacksonville-homepage
