Student Awards

Albright Essay Prompt 2026

Preamble

This year we celebrate the 250th birthday of the American Declaration of Independence. Our essay prompt refers to words enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution:

“Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; . . .”

Essay Prompt (Choose one)
Two of our freedoms enshrined in the Constitution are Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of the Press. Upon the occasion of the nation’s 250th birthday, how important do you feel one or both of these freedoms remain? Why? Upon what particular occasion(s) have one or both of them been important to the nation’s health and/or upon what occasion(s) have one or both freedoms been threatened?

This year's essay contest winners:
1st Place: Caleb L., Miraleste Grade 7, "The Importance of the First Amendment."
2nd Place: Jodi P., Ridgecrest Grade 7, "Freedom of Expression: Why It Still Matters Today."
3rd Place: Hunter W., St. John Fisher Grade 8, "An Argument for Freedom."