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California, Texas students earn top prize in national civics education essay contest
Williamsburg, Va. (May 1, 2024) – California and Texas students have won top honors in the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) 2024 Civics Education Essay Contest.
Over the past decade, NCSC has challenged youth to reflect on civics education and the U.S. Constitution.
This year, students from across the country reflected on the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor's influence on civics education for American youth and her perspective on the importance of civic engagement by all citizens. Students addressed two age-appropriate questions about citizen participation in their communities and government.
NCSC President Mary McQueen said recognizing the late Supreme Court justice this year was especially fitting given Justice O’Connor’s passion for civics education.
"Justice O’Connor was deeply committed to educating the younger generation about democracy and the fundamental democratic principles that form our society,” McQueen said. “She believed civic participation beyond voting is vital to our democracy, and she urged citizens to become involved in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities."
The contest attracted 800 students from 48 states and the District of Columbia. Essays were scored based on the student's understanding of the topic, creativity, grammar, spelling, and style. The nine winners will receive cash prizes totaling $3,450.
The 2024 winners include:
High school (grades 9-12)
- First place - Daniella Cuevas, California
- Second place - Mattie Jane Carpenter, Georgia
- Third place - Jacob Hertz, California
Middle school (grades 6-8)
- First place - Sophia Ling, California
- Second place - Ashley Wagner, Massachusetts
- Third place - Anoushka Pandey, Maryland
Elementary school (grades 3-5)
- First place - Nicholas Jakimier, Texas
- Second place - Ana Cervantes, Kansas
- Third place - Faith Yono, Michigan
To read the winning essays, visit ncsc.org/contest.