March 1

Essay Contest

March 1
Provo

Get Directions

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.

How to Submit

Click here to complete entry form and submit essay.

Essay Contest Procedures

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.
All entries must be received no later than March 1.
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.)
Winners will be notified by email when judging is completed. Original essays will not be returned.

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.

How to Submit

Click here to complete entry form and submit essay.

2023 Essay Contest Winners!

Grades K-3

Freedom Award:
Emery Gelder,
Highland Elementary,
Highland UT

Patriot Award:
Anaya John,
Challenger School,
San Jose, CA

Liberty Award:
Rajvika Maurya,
Challenger School,
Berryessa, CA

Yangyu Ye,
Challenger School,
Sunnyvale, CA

Grades 4-6

Freedom Award:
Eve Parker,
Reagan Academy,
Springville, UT

Patriot Award:
Vihit Talwar,
Challenger School,
San Jose, CA

Liberty award:
Rishab Rao,
Challenger School,
Sunnyvale, CA

Grades 7-9

Freedom Award:
Landon Beeston,
My Tech High,
Spanish Fork, UT

Patriot Award:
Jase Mitchell,
My Tech High,
Springville, UT

Liberty Award:
Mattox Botkin,
Homeschool,
Lehi, UT

Grades 10-12

Freedom Award:
Brynlee Cloward,
Homeschool,
Elk Ridge, UT

Patriot Award:
Peter DeBry,
Davis High,
Kaysville, UT

Liberty Award:
Eliza Anderson,
Homeschool,
Highland, UT

Zachary Grant,
Grant Family Homeschool,
Riverton, UT

Download The Educational Events Poster

Click here to download: Educational Events Poster 2025

Submission deadline – March 1

Click to Download the Supplementary Material

Click to Download the Theme Prompt

Click to Download the Theme Ideas

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

Don't Miss

Hope of America 2024

Date

May 7

Time

6:30 pm

Marriott Center

Provo

Learn More

Art Contest

Date

March 1

Time

Learn More

Speech Contest

Date

April 1

Time

Provo

Learn More

Essay Contest

Grades K-3

Grades 4-6

Grades 7-9

Grades 10-12

Don't Miss

Date

Time

Date

Time

Date

Time

About Us

Navigate

Stadium of Fire

Search

Connect

Contact Information