national essay day 2022

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How to Celebrate National Essay Day

4-minute read

• 28th February 2022

If you’re a student who enjoys writing for fun, you’ll be pleased to hear that February 28th marks a new holiday dedicated to rekindling the magic of writing. National Essay Day is a time to relish in the joy of writing without restrictions. It encourages the art of creatively expressing yourself by putting pen to paper. Read on to discover the history of this memorable day and pick up some practical tips to celebrate the occasion.

Why February 28th?

If you’re wondering why we celebrate this day on February 28th, it’s quite simple. It coincides with the birthday of a renowned philosopher from the French Renaissance, Michel de Montaigne . He published a collection of work about his brutally honest opinions on topics ranging from childhood education and dealing with grief to the necessity of marriage when raising a family, and he was the first person to call his writings “essays.”

Michel de Montaigne’s writing style was considered unorthodox and too forthright. He fully immersed himself in his topics and often used personal stories and anecdotes as subject material. His message rings clear to this day: don’t be afraid to express your ideas in ways that make sense to you. Allow your writing to freely express who you are, and the world will thank you later.

Michel de Montaigne’s birthday seems like the perfect occasion to celebrate freedom of expression as we remember the life of an author who challenged conventions and the restrictions we place on the written word. So, now that you know the origins of this day, how can you celebrate it in a truly fitting manner? Well, you can start by writing an essay of course! If you’re having trouble translating your ideas into a well-written piece, try out some of these handy tips.

1. Choice of subject matter

Choose a topic that you’re passionate about, not just something you think you should be writing about. When you pick a subject you love, the words will flow naturally, and the writing will be more fun. It could be anything, from your favorite book or movie to your role model or a sports personality you admire.

2. Essay outline

Formulate a basic understanding of why you’re writing about the topic and lay out the thoughts you’d like to expand on. Start with a clear argument and use the body of your essay to support it.

3. Type of essay

Instead of arguing a clear point, you can choose to debate both sides of the argument and allow the reader to reach their own conclusion.

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4. Thinking outside the box

Celebrate this day in true spirit by going beyond conventional ideas and norms. You could create a video essay or a podcast for people to listen to as they go about their day. Or you could compile a Dear Diary series that documents your thoughts and feelings about the subject.

5. Proofreading your essay

Check your work thoroughly and edit your final draft to ensure that your message is clear, accurate, and error-free. This will help you reach your desired audience more effectively.

6. Sharing your creation

Use social media, writing forums, YouTube , or other creative outlets to reveal your creation to the world.

We’re positive you can use some of these tips to write a truly memorable piece of work in honor of Montaigne. You could also celebrate this holiday by writing essays as a group, entering essay competitions, or enjoying readings by authors at your college or university. In addition, you could attend workshops to learn more about essay writing or participate in any other activities that help cultivate these skills.

Are you ready to get started on writing a piece that reflects the very essence of who you are? One without any limitations or rules to follow? Fall in love with writing again by celebrating this special day and showcasing your talents to the world. And when your first draft is ready, why not submit it to us for proofreading? We can help add a little extra magic to your written work of art.

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Americanism Essay Contest For Grades 7–12

FRA sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA's Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7 through 12, including those who are home schooled.  Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the December 1st deadline .  Local winners are forwarded for competition at the regional level and regional winners compete for national prizes.   The grand national winner receives $1,500.  Other winners receive $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place.  Each national winner will receive an attractive plaque citing his/her achievement, and every entrant judged at the national level receives a certificate of recognition. Prizes may be awarded to students winning at local and regional levels of competition.

Find a Sponsor: Find the branch closest to you in the drop down list and click "select" to see the address. This is where you will send your completed essay and cover sheet.

Please Read:

Download the flyer 2024-2025 from the link below (you can fill out the contact information on your computer before you print it!) and post it proudly wherever appropriate--high schools, on-base education offices, commissaries, exchanges, on-base community centers, etc.--to get the word out (you may need permission to post in some locations).

Essay Contest Poster  2024-2025 Essay Cover Sheet  2024-2025 Essay Rules  2024-2025 Congratulations to the 2023–2024 FRA Americanism Essay Contest Winners!

OVERALL WINNER : AMMARA SARWAR, Branch 214, NE/NENG Region

Grade 7 Winners 1 st place: Jasen Ajello                    Branch 226, Northeast New England Region   7th_Grade_1st_ Jasen Ajello 2 nd place: Makayla Marcel             Branch 101, West Cost Region 3 rd place: Izabella Wynn;               Branch 015, Southeast Region

Grade 8 Winners 1st Place: Adeline Maynes            Branch 097, Northwest Region   8th_Grade_1st_Adeline Mayness 2nd Place:  Genevieve Miranda     Branch 070, Southwest  Region  3rd Place: Victoria Senyo              Branch 024, East Coast Region Grade 9 Winners 1st Place:  Caleb Wilhelm              Branch 298, North Central  Region 9th_Grade_1st_Caleb Withelm 2nd Place: Katherine Labao         Branch 302, Southwest Region  3rd Place: Collins Murphy            Branch 264, South Central Region Grade 10 Winners 1st Place: Alexander Zhang         Branch 230, West Cost Region  10th_Grade_1st_Alexander Zhang 2nd Place: Michael Meng             Branch 124, Northeast New England Region  3rd Place: Adrian Orellana           Branch 208, East Coast Region Grade 11 Winners 1st Place: Conner Stevens           Branch 223, North Central Region 11th_Grade_1st_Conner Stevens 2nd Place: Luke Ruiz                    Branch 101, West Cost Region  3 rd Place: Lillian Commeree         Branch 174, Northwest Region

Grade 12 Winners 1st Place: Ammara Sarwar           Branch 214, Northeast New England Region 12th_Grade_1st_Amara Sarwar 2nd Place: Chloe Havener            Branch 055, Northwest Region  3rd Place: Annikka Fetro               Branch 101, West Cost Region

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March 28, 2022

About National Library Week April 3-9, 2022 is National Library Week , a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Connect with Your Library,” which promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas and classes, in addition to books. Most importantly, libraries also connect communities to each other.

To celebrate this year’s theme of connecting with your library, we are highlighting assistance our librarians provide. NDSU Librarians have expertise that allows them to connect with the campus community and support their research needs.

Meet with your Librarian NDSU students, faculty, and staff have access to a librarian who specializes in their field. Your librarian can provide personalized research assistance, direct you to the best resources, and help you evaluate them. They can meet with you in person or remotely, via zoom, phone, or email. Check out the list of librarians to see who fits your field of study, and reach out with a question or to set up an appointment!

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GIVEAWAYS – INSTAGRAM & MAIN LIBRARY

In honor of National Library Week and staying connected, NDSU Libraries will be giving away prizes including NDSU Bookstore gift cards, JBL headphones, a JBL speaker, portable chargers, a YETI® tumbler, and more! Giveaways will be done both at the Main Library and on Instagram during National Library Week. Follow us on Instagram @ndsulibrary and stop by the Main Library for a chance to win April 4-8, 2022. 

GIVEAWAY RULES  

On Instagram:

• There will be one giveaway, open Monday, April 4 at 9am until Friday, April 8 at 12pm.
• Limit two Instagram entries per person–one for a comment and one for tagging a friend on the post.
• A winner will be selected at random and notified via Instagram direct message from NDSU Libraries on April 8.

At the Main Library:

• There will be three giveaways, open Monday, April 4 at 9am until Friday, April 8 at 12pm. 
• Stop by the table in the Main Library and fill out an entry form. 
• Limit one entry per student, per prize.
• Winners will be selected at random and notified via email on April 8. 

Other rules: Must be a current NDSU student to qualify. Must have a valid NDSU student email address and student ID number. Winners must be able to pick up and sign for their prize at the Main Library Circulation Desk by April 22, 2022.

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2022 National Ag Day essay contest announced

By AGDAILY Reporters Published: December 01, 2021

Follow AGDAILY

Every year on National Ag Day, we take time to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. On March 22, 2022, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America will join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

National Ag Day’s objective is to celebrate agriculture and to help consumers better understand how farmers and the companies serving them produce abundant, healthy, nutritious, and safe food that while caring and tending for the land; leading the way in preservation and innovation for the health of our planet and our families.

One special event that takes place for National Ag Day is an essay and video contest. Students across the country are invited to enter the National Ag Day essay and video contest, sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America. This year’s theme is, American Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow? This essay contest is divided into two categories of competition: written essay and video essay. Both are national competitions, and both winners will receive $1,000.

When preparing for the contest, all entrants are encouraged to support their position with facts. Don’t just tell a story. As you prepare your entry, consider the following:

• Research the food value chain
• Consider the role of technology in agriculture and how it contributes to a healthy planet.
• Increasing global consumer interest in how food is produced and processed
• Health and fitness driving consumer food buying habits
• Farmers are proud stewards of our land, water and air.
• U.S. farmers are among the most productive in the world. They proudly raise crops and livestock because they want to help feed hungry people.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America. ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.

As part of their awareness programs, the National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced
• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products
• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy
• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry

Visit the  Ag Day website for more information on contest rules and entry forms and for information on National Ag Day 2022.

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Studying the past to inform the present and shape the future

Create a history day project, bring history into your classroom, improve your teaching skills.

Celebrating 50 Years of NHD

Rights & Responsibilities in History

This year’s theme invites you to consider questions of time and place, cause and effect, change over time, and impact and significance. 

Students making history

“The non-profit organization National History Day offers students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to explore significant topics of history. Correspondent Faith Salie talks with some of the young people using writing, performance art and documentary filmmaking to tell stories of the past that resonate today, proving that history never gets old.”

Competition inspires students to explore history through art

“Every year for 50 years, some 500,000 students from across the country have competed in National History Day, using arts to portray their researched stories. Correspondent Jeffrey Brown spent a day with the finalists to see how they defined Turning Points in History .”

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Support the teaching and learning of history.

Your support of National History Day is an investment in the future.

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Judges make the National History Day contest possible. See how you can provide students with a high-quality educational experience. 

Documenting personal stories, written by students, of those who gave everything for our liberty

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Join us as we explore the power of essay writing this National Essay Day!

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United States Institute of Peace

National high school essay contest.

USIP partners with the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) on the annual National High School Essay Contest. The contest each year engages high school students in learning and writing about issues of peace and conflict, encouraging appreciation for diplomacy’s role in building partnerships that can advance peacebuilding and protect national security. 

The winner of the contest receives a $2,500 cash prize, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet U.S. Department of State and USIP leadership, and a full-tuition paid voyage with Semester at Sea upon the student’s enrollment at an accredited university. The runner-up receives a $1,250 cash prize and a full scholarship to participate in the International Diplomacy Program of the National Student Leadership Conference. 

2023 National High School Essay Contest

The American Foreign Service Association’s national high school essay contest completed its twenty-third year with over 400 submissions from 44 states. Three randomized rounds of judging produced this year’s winner, Justin Ahn, a junior from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. In his essay, “Mending Bridges: U.S.-Vietnam Reconciliation from 1995 to Today,” Ahn focuses on the successful reconciliation efforts by the Foreign Service in transforming U.S.-Vietnam relations from post-war tension to close economic and strategic partnership.

Ahn will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with a member of the Department of State’s leadership and receive a full tuition scholarship to an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Niccolo Duina was this year’s runner-up. He is currently a junior at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Duina will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer.

There were eight honorable mentions:

• Santiago Castro-Luna – Chevy Chase, Maryland
• Dante Chittenden – Grimes, Iowa 
• Merle Hezel – Denver, Colorado
• Adarsh Khullar – Villa Hills, Kentucky
• Nicholas Nall – Little Rock, Arkansas
• Ashwin Telang – West Windsor, New Jersey
• Himani Yarlagadda – Northville, Michigan 
• Sophia Zhang – San Jose, California

Congratulations! We thank all students and teachers who took the time to research and become globally engaged citizens who care about diplomacy, development and peacebuilding.

2023 National High School Essay Contest Topic

In 2024, the U.S. Foreign Service will celebrate its 100th birthday. The Foreign Service is an important element of the American approach to peacebuilding around the world. Over the last century, U.S. diplomats have been involved in some of the most significant events in history — making decisions on war and peace, responding to natural disasters and pandemics, facilitating major treaties, and more.

As AFSA looks back on their century-long history, we invite you to do the same. This year, students are asked to explore a topic that touches upon this important history and sheds light on how vital it is for America to have a robust professional corps focused on diplomacy, development and peace in the national interest.

In your essay, you will select a country or region in which the U.S. Foreign Service has been involved in at any point since 1924 and describe — in 1,500 words or less — how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals, including promoting peace, in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

Contest deadline: April 3, 2023

Download the study guide for the 2023 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes the essay question, prizes and rules for the contest; an introduction to diplomacy and peacebuilding; key terms; topics and areas students might explore; and a list of other useful resources.

Learn more about the contest rules and how to submit your essay on the American Foreign Service Association’s contest webpage .

2022 National High School Essay Contest

Katherine Lam, a freshman from University High School in Tucson, Arizona, is the 2022 National High School Essay Contest winner. In her essay, “Competition and Coaction in Ethiopia: U.S. and Chinese Partnerships for International Stabilization,” Lam focuses on how the Foreign Service has partnered with other U.S. government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and — most notably — China to promote peace and development in Ethiopia. Lam will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with a member of the U.S. Department of State’s leadership and gain full tuition for an educational voyage with Semester at Sea.

Olivia Paulsen was this year’s runner-up. She is a currently a junior receiving a home-schooled education in Concord, Massachusetts. Paulsen will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer.

The 2022 honorable mentions were: Josh Diaz (Little Rock, AR); Grace Hartman (Bethlehem, PA); Elena Higuchi (Irvine, CA); Ovea Kaushik (Oklahoma City, OK); Evan Lindemann (Palm Desert, CA); Percival Liu (Tokyo, Japan); Alexander Richter (San Jose, CA); and Gavin Sun (Woodbury, MN).

USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2022 National High School Essay Contest.

Partnerships for Peace in a Multipolar Era

The current multipolar era poses challenges for U.S. foreign policy but also provides new opportunities for partnership across world powers—including emerging great powers like China and Russia—to build peace in conflict-affected countries. Describe a current situation where American diplomats and peacebuilders are working with other world powers, as well as local and/or regional actors, in a conflict-affected country to champion democracy, promote human rights, and/or resolve violent conflict.    A successful essay will lay out the strategies and tactics U.S. Foreign Service Officers and American peacebuilders are employing to build successful partnerships with other world and regional powers and with local actors in the chosen current situation.  The essay will also describe specific ways that these partnerships are helping to promote stability and build peace.

Contest deadline: April 4, 2022

Download the study guide for the 2022 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes the essay question, prizes, and rules for the contest; an introduction to diplomacy and peacebuilding; key terms; topics and areas students might explore; and a list of other useful resources.

Learn more about the contest rules and how to submit your essay on the American Foreign Service Association’s contest webpage.  

2021 National High School Essay Contest

Mariam Parray, a sophomore from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, is the 2021 National High School Essay Contest winner. In her essay, “Diplomats and Peacebuilders in Tunisia: Paving the Path to Democracy,” Ms. Parray focuses on how the Foreign Service partnered with other U.S. government agencies and NGOs to effect a peaceful democratic transition in Tunisia. She emphasizes the importance of multifaceted approaches as well as the importance of bringing marginalized groups into the fold. Mariam will travel to Washington to meet with a member of the Department of State’s leadership and will also gain a full tuition to an educational voyage with Semester at Sea. Harrison McCarty was this year’s runner-up. Coincidentally, he is also a sophomore from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. Harrison will be attending the international diplomacy program of the National Student Leadership Conference this summer. The 2021 honorable mentions were: Louisa Eaton (Wellesley, MA); Samuel Goldston (Brooklyn, NY); Lucy King (Bainbridge Island, WA); Haan Jun Lee (Jakarta, Indonesia); Khaled Maalouf (Beirut, Lebanon); Madeleine Shaw (Bloomington, IN); Allison Srp (Austin, MN); and Daniel Zhang (Cortland, NY).

USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2021 National High School Essay Contest. 

Diplomats and Peacebuilders: Powerful Partners

What characteristics lead to a successful effort by diplomats and peacebuilders to mediate or prevent violent conflict? The United States Foreign Service—often referred to as America’s first line of defense—works to prevent conflict from breaking out abroad and threats from coming to our shores. Peacebuilders work on the ground to create the conditions for peace and resolve conflicts where they are most needed. 

Successful essays will identify, in no more than 1,250 words, a situation where diplomats worked on a peacebuilding initiative with partners from the country/region in question, nongovernmental organizations, and other parts of the U.S. government, and then go on to analyze what characteristics and approaches made the enterprise a success.  

Contest deadline: April 5, 2021

Download the study guide for the 2021 National High School Essay Contest. This study guide provides students with a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist them in answering the question. It includes key terms in conflict management and peacebuilding and examples of peacebuilding initiatives, with reflection questions for independent learners to dig more deeply or for teachers to encourage class reflection and discussion. We hope this study guide will be a useful resource for educators and students participating in this contest, and for educators who want their students to learn more about this year’s contest topic.

2020 National High School Essay Contest

Jonas Lorincz, a junior from Marriotts Ridge High School in Marriottsville, MD, is the 2020 National High School Essay Contest winner. In his essay, “Verification, Mediation, and Peacebuilding: The Many Roles of the U.S. Foreign Service in Kosovo,” Mr. Lorincz focused on the importance of interagency cooperation in mediating the crisis in Kosovo – primarily looking into how diplomats and other civilian agencies engaged in peacebuilding throughout the conflict.

Claire Burke was this year’s runner-up. She is a junior at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, KS. 

The 2020 honorable mentions were: Grace Cifuentes (Concord, CA), Grace Lannigan (Easton, CT), Seryung Park (Tenafly, NJ), Vynateya Purimetla (Troy, MI), David Richman (Norfolk, VA), Madeleine Shaw (Bloomington, IN), Sara Smith (Fargo, ND), and Jack Viscuso (Northport, NY).  USIP congratulates all the winners of the 2020 National High School Essay Contest. 

2020 National High School Essay Contest Topic

Why Diplomacy and Peacebuilding Matter

How do members of the Foreign Service work with other civilian parts of the U.S. Government to promote peace, national security and economic prosperity?

Qualified essays focused on a specific challenge to U.S. peace and prosperity and included one example of the work of the Foreign Service and one or more examples of collaboration between America’s diplomats and other civilian (i.e. non-military) U.S. Government agencies or organizations.

2019 National High School Essay Contest

In its 21st year, the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA)’s National High School Essay Contest encouraged students to think about how and why the United States engages globally to build peace, and about the role that the Foreign Service plays in advancing U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

For the second year in a row, the National High School Essay Contest focused on an important aspect of operating in countries affected by or vulnerable to violent conflict: effective coordination of the many different foreign policy tools the United States has at its disposal. Whether you were addressing the prompt for a second year or new to the contest, the contest will have challenged you to expand your understanding of the role of the Foreign Service and other actors in foreign policy, identify case studies, and provide a sophisticated analysis in a concise manner.

The essay prompt and a helpful study guide are included below; you can find out more information about the rules and how to submit by checking out AFSA’s essay contest page .

2019 Essay Question

The United States has many tools to advance and defend its foreign policy and national security interests around the world—from diplomatic approaches pursued by members of the Foreign Service, to the range of options available to the U.S. military. In countries affected by or vulnerable to violent conflict, peacebuilding tools are important additions to the national security toolkit.

In such complex environments, cooperation across agencies and approaches is challenging, but it can also blend knowledge and skills in ways that strengthen the overall effort to establish a lasting peace. On the other hand, lack of coordination can lead to duplication of effort, inefficient use of limited resources and unintended consequences.

In a 1,000-1,250-word essay, identify two cases—one you deem successful and one you deem unsuccessful—where the U.S. pursued an integrated approach to build peace in a conflict-affected country. Analyze and compare these two cases, addressing the following questions:

• What relative strengths did members of the Foreign Service and military actors bring to the table? What peacebuilding tools were employed? Ultimately, what worked or did not work in each case?
• How was each situation relevant to U.S. national security interests?
• What lessons may be drawn from these experiences for the pursuit of U.S. foreign policy more broadly?

Download the study guide for the 2019 AFSA National High School Essay Contest

2018 National High School Essay Contest

Jennifer John from Redwood City, CA is the 2018 National High School Essay Contest winner, surpassing close to 1,000 other submissions. Her essay examined to what extent U.S. interagency efforts in Iraq and Bosnia were successful in building peace. Aislinn Niimi from Matthews, NC was the runner up.

The 2018 honorable mentions were: Alex, DiCenso (North Kingstown, RI),Alexandra Soo (Franklin, MI), Caroline Bellamy (Little Rock AR), Colin LeFerve (Indianapolis, IN), Elizabeth Kam (Burlingham, CA), Emma Singh (Tenafly NJ), Emma Chambers (Little Rock AR),  Francesca Ciampa (Brooksville, ME), Greta Bunce (Franktown, VA), Isaac Che (Mount Vernon OH), Isabel Davis (Elk River MN), Katrina Espinoza (Watsonvile, CA), Molly Ehrig (Bethlehem, PA), Payton McGoldrick (Bristow, VA), Rachel Russell (Cabin John, MD), Sarah Chapman (Tucson, AZ), Shalia Lothe (Glen Allen VA), Sohun Modha (San Jose CA), Suhan Kacholia (Chandler, AZ), Supriya Sharma (Brewster, NY), Sydney Adams (Fort Wayne, IN), Tatum Smith (Little Rock AR), and William Milne (Fort Wayne, IN).  

2017 National High School Essay Contest

Nicholas Deparle, winner of the 2017 AFSA National High School Essay Contest, comes from Sidwell Friends School in Washington DC. A rising senior at the time, Mr. Deparle covers the Internally Displaced Persons crisis in Iraq and potential ideas to help resolve the issue.  Read his winning essay here . Mr. Manuel Feigl, a graduate of Brashier Middle College Charter High School in Simpsonville, SC took second place.

This year there were twenty honorable mentions: Mohammed Abuelem ( Little Rock, Ark.), Lucas Aguayo-Garber (Worcester, Mass.), Rahul Ajmera (East Williston, N.Y.), Taylor Gregory (Lolo, Mont.), Rachel Hildebrand (Sunnyvale, Calif.), Ryan Hulbert (Midland Park, N.J.), India Kirssin (Mason, Ohio), Vaibhav Mangipudy (Plainsboro, N.J.), William Marsh (Pittsburgh, Penn.), Zahra Nasser (Chicago, Ill.), Elizabeth Nemec (Milford, N.J.), David Oks (Ardsley, N.Y.), Max Pumilia (Greenwood Village, Colo.), Nikhil Ramaswamy (Plano, Texas), Aditya Sivakumar (Beaverton, Ore.), Donovan Stuard (Bethlehem, Penn.), Rachel Tanczos (Danielsville, Penn.), Isabel Ting (San Ramon, Calif.), Kimberley Tran (Clayton, Mo.), and Chenwei Wang (Walnut, Calif.).

2017 Essay Contest Topic

According to the United Nations, 65 million people worldwide have left their homes to seek safety elsewhere due to violence, conflict, persecution, or human rights violations. The majority of these people are refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Imagine you are a member of the U.S. Foreign Service —– a diplomat working to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the United States abroad – and are now assigned to the U.S. embassy in one of these four countries.

• Turkey (Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs)
• Kenya (Bureau of African Affairs)
• Afghanistan (Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs)
• Iraq (Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs)

Your task is to provide recommendations to address the refugee/IDP crisis facing the country in which you are now posted. Using the resources available to you as a member of the Foreign Service, write a memo to your Ambassador outlining how the United States might help address the current unprecedented levels of displacement. You may choose to address issues related to the causes of refugee crisis, or to focus on the humanitarian crisis in your host country.

A qualifying memo will be 1,000-1,250 words and will answer the following questions:

• How does the crisis challenge U.S. interests in the country you are posted and more broadly?
• Specifically outline the steps you propose the U.S. should take to tackle the roots or the consequences of the crisis, and explain how it would help solve the issue or issues you are examining. How will your efforts help build peace or enhance stability?
• How do you propose, from your embassy/post of assignment, to foster U.S. government interagency cooperation and cooperation with the host-country government to address these issues?  Among U.S. government agencies, consider U.S. Agency for International Development, the Foreign Commercial Service and the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Memo Template

TO: Ambassador ______________________

FROM: Only use your first name here

RE: Think of this as your title, make sure to include the country you are writing about

Here you want to lay out the problem, define criteria by which you will be deciding the best steps the U.S. could take, and include a short sentence or two on your final recommendation. Embassy leadership is very busy and reads many memos a day —– they should be able to get the general ““gist”” of your ideas by reading this section.

Background:

This section should provide any background information about the crisis or conflict relevant to your proposed policy. Here, you should mention why the issue is important to U.S. interests, especially peace and security.

Proposed Steps:

This is where you outline your proposed policy. Be specific in describing how the U.S. might address this issue and how these steps can contribute to peace and security. Include which organizations you propose partnering with and why.

Recommendation:

This is where you write your final recommendations for embassy leadership. Think of this as a closing paragraph.

Companion Guide for the 2017 National High School Essay Contest

It is no easy task to jump into the role of a diplomat, especially when confronted by such an urgent crisis. USIP, in consultation with AFSA, developed a guide to provide a basic introduction to the topic and some additional context that can assist you in answering the question, while still challenging you to develop your own unique response. As such, this guide should be used as a starting point to your own research and as you ultimately prepare a compelling memo outlining recommendations the U.S. government should follow to respond to the refugee and IDP crisis.

In the guide you will find: insights into the role of the Foreign Service; country, organization, and key-term briefs to provide a foundational understanding; and a list of other useful resources. Download the Companion Guide for the 2017 National High School Essay Contest (.pdf).

2016 National High School Essay Contest

USIP first partnered with AFSA for the 2016 contest and was pleased to welcome winner Dylan Borne to Washington in August. His paper describes his role as an economic officer in the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance. He writes about promoting education for girls in Afghanistan through on-line courses and dispersal of laptops. Read his winning essay (.pdf).

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While we certainly appreciate historical preservation, it looks like your browser is a bit too historic to properly view whitehousehistory.org. — a browser upgrade should do the trick.

Main Content

2022 National History Day Paper Showcase

The 2022 National History Day theme was Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, and Consequences . This showcase features 15 memorable White House-related submissions to this year's essay contest, hosted by National History Day, a partner of the White House Historical Association.

"Dirty Diplomacy"

Julia Cerimele

"The Debate Seen and Heard ‘Round the World"

Omar Elbadawy

"Hamilton vs. Jefferson"

"The War on Veterans"

Sabina Hagen

"The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965"

Elsa Lindfors

"Crisis Calls for Diplomacy"

Katherine Liu

"'The Little Ball Moves the Big Ball'"

Cassandra Lofgren

"'Steel City' Diplomacy"

Aiden Mathai

"Diplomatic Inception"

Andrew Minagar

"Victory at Home, Victory Abroad"

Azaan Naqvi

"Yalta Conference"

Elexa O'Neill

"Herbert Hoover"

Ellie Parsons

"Brutal Beginnings"

Ariana Thornton

"Learning From the Past"

"A Little Ball Propels the Globe"

National History Day® 2022-2023

Published: September 22, 2022

GPO's GovInfo provides access to a wealth of official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government to assist students and educators with their project research. In addition to viewing the resources linked on this page, be sure to:

• Check out What’s Available to see publications by collection and examples of content, and
• Head to the Tutorials and Handouts page for information that will help guide students through the search process.

Samples of Content on GovInfo Related to This Year's Theme

United States Congressional Serial Set The United States Congressional Serial Set, commonly referred to as the Serial Set, is a compilation of all numbered House and Senate reports and documents, including executive reports and treaty documents, issued for each session of Congress. Documenting events of the U.S. Congress over the years, the Serial Set is one of the Nation’s most treasured publications. The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), in collaboration with the Law Library of Congress, has started a large multi-year effort to digitize and make accessible volumes of the U.S. Congressional Serial Set back to the first volume, which was published in 1817. Check out the U.S. Congressional Serial Set - Browse by Topic page for a wide selection of publications related to this year's theme.

• Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States
• Presidential Inaugural Addresses
• S. Pub. 115-5 - Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States
• Congressional Directory
• Congressional Pictorial Directory
• United States Government Manual - As the official handbook of the Federal Government, the United States Government Manual provides information on the agencies of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
• United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions (Plum Book) - The Plum Book is used to identify presidentially appointed positions within the Federal Government.
• Congressional Record - The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress.
• Congressional Record (Bound Edition) - At the end of each session of Congress, all of the daily editions are collected, re-paginated, and re-indexed into a permanent, bound edition, referred to as the Congressional Record (Bound Edition).
• S. Pub. 116-5 - Pro Tem Presidents Pro Tempore of the United States Senate Since 1789 - The Constitution instructs the Senate to choose a president pro tempore to preside over the Senate in the absence of the vice president. Pro tempore is a Latin term meaning "for the time being,” signaling that the position was originally conceived as a temporary replacement. This publication provides an history of the U.S. Senate with portraits and brief biographies of the Senators who served as President Pro Tem between 1789 and 2020.

• S. Doc. 103-27 - Constantino Brumidi - Artist of the Capitol - Constantino Brumidi: Artist of the Capitol, was authorized by the 103rd Congress (S. Con. Res. 40) as part of the celebration of the bicentennial of the construction of the Capitol.
• H. Doc. 108-226 - Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress, 1900 – 2017
• H. Doc. 116-152 - Women in Congress 1917 – 2020 (An EPUB reader or browser extension is required to view this eBook).
• Native American and American Indian Related Publications
• H. Doc. 108-224 - Black Americans in Congress 1870 - 2007
• H. Doc. 108-225 - Hispanic Americans in Congress 1822-2012
• 45th Anniversary of Women Admitted to West Point
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg , A collection of documents and resources in memory of the U.S. Supreme Court Justice
• Jeannette Rankin , 100th Anniversary of the First Woman to Serve in the United States Congress
• Susan B. Anthony , Icon of the Women's Suffrage Movement Susan B. Anthony was an anti-slavery activist and became a trailblazer in the women’s suffrage movement
• Helen Eugenie Anderson , Anniversary of the Appointment of the First Female U.S. Ambassador appointed by President Truman in 1949
• Sally Ride , Anniversary of the First American Woman to Fly in Space
• Amelia Earhart , Anniversary of the Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
• Panama Canal Related Publications
• Anniversary of the Opening of the Panama Canal

• Historical Publications about the Panama Canal
• Featured Legislative Branch Publications - Featured Legislative Branch Publications contains select documents published by agencies in the legislative branch
• Earth Day 2022: Invest in Our Planet
• National Park Week 2022
• National Park Service Centennial
• Anniversary of the New Madrid Earthquakes
• Launch America, Milestone in NASA's Commercial Crew Program
• Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Spaceflight and Man's First Moon Walk
• 50th Anniversary of the Man on the Moon
• 159th Anniversary of the Pony Express
• Centennial of Grand Canyon National Park
• Anniversary of the Homestead Act of 1862 - The Homestead Act encouraged Western migration by providing settlers 160 acres of public land
• The National Museum of African American History and Culture - The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened to the public September 24, 2016
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Publications - The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

• H. Doc. 110-49 - How Our Laws are Made - Revised and Updated By John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian, U.S. House of Representatives
• Congressional Bills - Congressional bills are legislative proposals from the House of Representatives and Senate within the United States Congress.
• Congressional Hearings - A hearing is a meeting or session of a Senate, House, joint, or special committee of Congress, usually open to the public, to obtain information and opinions on proposed legislation, conduct an investigation, or evaluate/oversee the activities of a government department or the implementation of a Federal law.
• Congressional Documents - The Congressional Documents collection consists of House Documents, Senate Documents, and Senate Treaty Documents.
• Congressional Committee Prints - Congressional Committee Prints are publications issued by Congressional Committees that include topics related to their legislative or research activities, as well as other matters such as memorial tributes.
• Budget of the United States Government - Issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Budget of the United States Government is a collection of documents that contains the budget message of the President, information about the President's budget proposals for a given fiscal year, and other budgetary publications that have been issued throughout the fiscal year.
• Public and Private Laws - Public and private laws are also known as slip laws. A slip law is an official publication of the law and is competent evidence admissible in all state and Federal courts and tribunals of the United States. Public laws affect society as a whole, while private laws affect an individual, family, or small group.
• United States Statutes at Large - The United States Statutes at Large, typically referred to as the Statutes at Large, is the permanent collection of all laws and resolutions enacted during each session of Congress.
• Statute Compilations - The Office of the Legislative Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives maintains a corpus of Statute Compilations of public laws that either do not appear in the U.S. Code or that have been classified to a title of the U.S. Code that has not been enacted into positive law. Each Statute Compilation incorporates the amendments made to the underlying statute since it was originally enacted.
• United States Code - The United States Code is the codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States.
• Federal Register - Published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) , the Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
• Code of Federal Regulations (Annual Edition) - The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) annual edition is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
• H. Doc. 112-129 - Constitution of the United States with Index and the Declaration of Independence, Pocket Edition
• Precedents of the U.S. House of Representatives - This collection contains four series of volumes of precedent: Precedents of the U.S. House of Representatives (2017 series), Deschler’s Precedents (1936-2013), Cannon’s Precedents (1907-1936), and Hinds’ Precedents (1789-1907).
• Riddick's Senate Procedure - Named after Senate Parliamentarian Emeritus Floyd M. Riddick, this Senate document contains the contemporary precedents and practices of the Senate.

Realizing the benefits of human genetics and genomics research for people everywhere.

ASHG Announces 2022 Winners of International DNA Day Essay Contest Contest Addressed the Impact of Gregor Mendel’s Discoveries on Today’s Research

Published : Monday, April 25, 2022, 2:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time

Media Contact: Krystal Foster, [email protected]

ROCKVILLE, MD – As part of its celebration of National DNA Day, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) announced today the winners of its 2022 DNA Day Essay Contest , which encourages high school students and teachers worldwide to learn about human genetics concepts and apply them to current scientific and societal issues. The three winner spots were awarded to international students, the second consecutive year that this has ever happened in the contest’s history. ASHG awarded first place to Man Tak Mindy Shie, grade 12 at Singapore International School (Hong Kong). in Hong Kong, China; second place to Gillian Wells, grade 11 at Ulverston Victoria High School in Ulverston, England, UK; and third place to Yiyang Zhang, grade 11 at Shanghai High School International Division in Shanghai, China.

ASHG received essays from over 700 students from more than 30 U.S. states and more than 35 non-U.S. countries. Nearly 200 ASHG members evaluated the results for accuracy, creativity, and writing. Since 2006, the Society has led the contest annually and seeks to spark excitement and learning among the next generation of genetics professionals and foster greater genetic literacy among the general public.

This year, the question acknowledged Gregor Mendel in the year that marks the 200 th anniversary of his birth. Students were asked how his discoveries help us understand Mendelian disorders and how the study of Mendelian disorders help us understand complex diseases.

“This year presented the unique opportunity to reflect upon the foundations of the human genetics field, the progress we have made in research, and look ahead to the exciting breakthroughs on the horizon,” said Kenneth Ramos, MD/PhD, of Texas A&M Health Science Center – Institute of Biosciences and Technology and chair of the Public Education & Awareness Committee. “It is remarkable to observe the impact on research, medicine, and health that the field of human genetics has had and continues to have due to our collaborative and innovative community. We have come a long way in the 200 years since Gregor Mendel was born and there is certainly much more to come if this year’s DNA Day Essay Contest participants are indicative of the next generation of human geneticists.”

National DNA Day, celebrated annually on April 25, commemorates the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure in 1953 and the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, two key milestones in genetics.

ASHG will award monetary prizes to winning students as well as grants for genetics laboratory equipment to eligible teachers. Shie will receive a $1,000 prize. Wells will receive a $600 prize. Zhang will receive a $400 prize.

Honorable mentions were awarded to 10 students, each of whom will receive a $100 monetary prize. The recipients of honorable mentions, listed alphabetically by last name, are:

• Lena Chae, grade 9, Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Illinois
• Aadit Jain, grade 11, International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
• Sharanya Ravishanker, grade 11, Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania
• Zhiyuan Shi, grade 11, BASIS International School Hangzhou in Hangzhou, China
• Audric Thakur, grade 11, Reading School in Reading, United Kingdom
• Emma Tse, grade 11, Cheltenham Ladies’ College in Cheltenham, United Kingdom
• Hannah Wilson, grade 12, Raphael House Rudolf Steiner School in Lower Hutt, New Zealand
• Emma Youngblood, grade 12, St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries, Virginia
• Vivian Yuan, grade 11, Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, New Jersey
• Xinyi Zhang, grade 11, South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey

For details on the 2022 contest winners, including photos and the winning essays, see: https://www.ashg.org/discover-genetics/k-12-education/dna-day/2022-dna-day-essay-contest-winners/

About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)

Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the  ASHG Annual Meeting  and in  The American Journal of Human Genetics  and  Human Genetics and Genomics Advances ; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit:  http://www.ashg.org .

6120 Executive Blvd, Suite 500 | Rockville, MD 20852 | 301.634.7300 |  [email protected]  |  www.ashg.org Connect with ASHG on  Twitter  (@GeneticsSociety) |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn

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2022 Mental Health Essay Contest Awardee: Gold

More transparent, ansh, california.

As I stowed away my bike and closed the garage door, I heard the first siren. Rushing onto the driveway, I solemnly prayed this was merely another “community disturbance.” When I saw the ambulance screech outside the grey house, I knew they were too late.

The next day, I found out that my friend died by suicide. I hadn’t heard the gunshot or stood behind to watch the EMTs call the time of death. But the image of a parent going though this loss has stuck with me.

I knew of rising mental health concerns before my friend’s death. Earlier that year, I conducted a survey of adolescents within my community to see how COVID-19 had affected their mental health. I could not, however, fathom the impact of the projected 15% deterioration of composite mental health now.

In my community, mental health exists largely as an afterthought. For many students, anxiety is a rite of passage in high school as optimizing academic performance is seen as more important than staying mentally healthy. Statistics such as “54% of students at our school showed moderate to severe symptoms of depression in 2016” have stopped encouraging caution and started motivating internalization. Since my friend’s death, I’ve tried to play my part in resolving the mental health crisis, working to spread awareness beyond my statistical results so my community doesn’t have to see them manifest. I believe that expanding initiatives that make it easier for students to reach out for mental health support will mitigate the current mental health crisis by supporting those that need help and normalizing help for those that aren’t sure yet.

Schools should consider partnering with local professionals for mental healthcare services in light of recent understaffing and overcrowding in school districts. For example, Hazel Health, a telehealth company based in San Francisco, partners with districts to provide students access to high-quality mental healthcare digitally. Services such as Hazel can make mental health support more accessible to all students. Hazel employs culturally-competent counselors and therapists, which can make students more likely to reach out for help when they need it. The online aspect of Hazel’s services allows therapists to see more students in a day and for students to see therapists for more hours within a day. Teachers can even recommend students for support, which can encourage more reserved students to open up about their concerns.

Increasing accessibility to therapy is essential for students to receive mental healthcare when they need it. Currently, student wait times for therapy sessions can be as high as 2-6 months, and students that are denied mental health support when they first reach out may stop them from seeking help altogether. The mental health services offered at school are often teenagers’ first experiences with behavioral healthcare, so cultivating positive therapeutic interactions within schools can go a long way toward breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. I’m currently studying the effectiveness of Hazel’s initiatives as an intern at their organization to inform and improve their mental healthcare.

Another key solution for increasing access to mental health services is reforming national mental health hotlines. On July 16th, the new suicide prevention hotline number, 988, will become available nationally. This initiative aims to make it easier for at-risk individuals to reach out for help and take the load off of 911 to centralize suicide-related calls onto a singular line—both of which are necessary steps to increase the availability of mental health support in crisis situations. However, this centralization may decrease the options of crisis lines for callers, placing community hotlines at the bottom of the list. For example, peer-to-peer Warmlines, a type of community hotline where callers can speak to people that are in mental health recovery themselves, exist to help at-risk individuals that aren’t necessarily in emergency situations feel supported. When I spoke with Howard Trachtman, a mental health professional leading the national initiative for Warmlines, I learned that nearly all of the funding for 988 is going towards a single non-profit, Vibrant Emotional Health, while Warmlines and other community initiatives are being overlooked. For the 988 initiative to be successful, more national funding needs to be funneled into community hotlines and larger call centers need to integrate local hotlines. This will not only support at-risk individuals that prefer their local hotlines but also help National Suicide Prevention Lines accommodate more callers with shorter turnaround times. To help effect these changes, I’m writing articles for Warmlines to spread awareness of the need for more cooperation and confidentiality within 988.

It’s equally important to make subtle, steady improvements in the ways we discuss mental health as it is to reform large-scale mental health solutions. The way we speak about mental health influences how we perceive people with mental health conditions. For example, we should start saying “living with a mental illness” rather than “suffering from mental illness” to remind ourselves that it’s possible to live happy and fulfilling lives despite having mental health conditions. Schools can also make changes to show that they care about mental health and help deconstruct stigma. For example, our school started coding mental-health-related absences as excused, effectively starting “mental health days,” and runs an annual “mental health week,” which opens the door for uncomfortable but necessary conversations to begin. My hope is that reducing stigma through small acts of caring will encourage everyone, especially people that don’t feel like they deserve mental health support, to reach out for help.

I know what it’s like to feel invisible. But when we isolate in hopes of protecting ourselves, we forget the power that human connection has. For me, reconciling with my mental health concerns made me a happier, more empathetic person. It catalyzed me to work within my community to make the invisible just a little more transparent.

Page updated September 20, 2022

September 2022: NIH Announces Winners of High School Mental Health Essay Contest

March 2022: National Contest Encourages High School Students to Write Short Essays Exploring Mental Health

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Civics Education Essay Contest

NCSC's 2022 Civics Education Essay Contest

NCSC's Civics Education Essay Contest gives 3rd-12th grade students the opportunity to understand and explain the importance and the role of the United States government. Winners receive a total of $3,000 in scholarship money.

The contest question is based on the American Bar Association's annual Law Day theme, which in 2022 is "Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change."

2022's Essay Contest question:

Which amendment to the u.s. constitution has made the biggest difference in people’s lives explain how and why..

Submit your entry using the form below. This is the preferred method of entry. However, hand-written essays may be submitted by mail to NCSC, c/o Deirdre Roesch, 300 Newport Avenue, Williamsburg, Va., 23185. If submitting my mail, please include the following on separate piece of paper: full name, school name, city, state, phone number, email (if applicable), teacher name and teacher email (if applicable).

• See contest rules and regulations .
• Download flyer to share with students.

A total of $3,000 in scholarship money will be awarded to the winners.

9th-12th grade:

• One (1) First Place: $1,000
• One (1) Second Place: $500
• One (1) Third Place: $250

6th-8th grade:

• One (1) First Place: $400
• One (1) Second Place: $200
• One (1) Third Place: $100

3rd-5th grade:

• One (1) First Place: $300
• One (1) Second Place: $150

Email Contest Manager  Deirdre Roesch with questions about the essay contest.

Contest history

Elementary school: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor believed that people should take part in their communities and government. What does it mean to be involved in your community? Can you think of ways you can help make your school or neighborhood a better place?

Middle/High School: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor stressed the importance of civic engagement. Discuss the role she believed citizens should play in shaping their communities and government. Why did she think that civic participation is so important to democracy?

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Elementary/Middle school: The First Amendment protects freedom of speech. What happens when people are free to say anything they want in person or online? For example, yelling "fire" in a crowded room or posting hateful words on social media. What kind of free speech situations require a judge or police officer to get involved to keep the peace? High school: In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a high school cheerleader could not be punished in school for using curse words on social media when commenting about not making the cheer team while she was off school grounds. Do you think students should be held to the same standard when exercising their First Amendment right to freedom of speech whether they’re on or off school property? Decide if there are circumstances where students should be punished by a court of law for what they say or write to maintain civility.

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Question: Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has made the biggest difference in people’s lives? Explain how and why.

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Question: What does the rule of law mean to you?

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Elementary/Middle school: Why is it so important that all citizens have the right to vote? High school: Is voting a right, privilege or responsibility? Why?

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