High School Senior Essay Contest
Our Senior Essay Contest was established in 1966 to provide our graduating students an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion on current events. This contest is open to any senior currently enrolled in an Oklahoma Public School. Local 1st through 5th place winners receive a certificate. State winners 1st through 15th place receive a certificate and a cash prize, and the funds are for the winners to spend as they wish! The school of the 1st place state winner also receives a cash prize!
Each year, a new topic is selected that will truly challenge the seniors to think about the impacts of culture on our everyday lives. By engaging students in this writing exercise, we hope they will demonstrate proficiency in expressing observations, thoughts, and conclusions logically and professionally.
The 2025 - 2026 Essay Topic is:
“Freedom of Expression in a Divided Nation: How Do We Protect Speech While Promoting Respect?”
Prompt: In an increasingly divided society, people often struggle to balance free expression with respectful communication. Social, political, and cultural disagreements can lead to hostility rather than dialogue. How can individuals and communities protect the right to free speech while also encouraging civil and constructive conversations? Support your argument with examples from current events, school life, or your personal experience.
Contest Overview:
• Any Oklahoma public school senior is eligible to submit one essay.
• Essays must be the student’s original work. An attestation signed by the teacher and the student that no AI was used must be submitted with the essay.
• Submit essays online as a .PDF via our website.
• Essays should be formatted following MLA Style and no more than 1,250 words.
• Essay file should follow this naming system: Last Name-First Name_School Name.
• The deadline for submission is October 31, 2025.
