Each year, the Ninth Circuit invites high school students to explore a timely civics topic through its annual Civics Contest. Students are invited to submit an essay or video entry that explores the selected topic and its connection to constitutional principles, landmark cases, and the enduring values that guide our democracy. Winners at the district level advance to the circuit-wide competition, with cash prizes awarded to top entries.
The contest typically runs from January through March and provides students with an opportunity to consider important civic issues while developing their research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Visit Ninth Circuit Civics Contest for more information.
2026 Contest Winners
Contact: Katherine Rodriguez - mediarelease@ce9.uscourts.gov
SAN FRANCISCO – Arizona, Hawaii, Northern Mariana Islands and Washington state high school students are top winners of the 2026 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest, which challenged students to express their thoughts in an essay and/or video addressing the theme, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness—Your Voice. Your Story. Your America.” The theme celebrates the upcoming 250-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Six students will share a total of $11,400, and the first-place winners, along with a parent or guardian, will be invited to attend part of the 2026 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.
Winners of the essay competition who will receive cash prizes are:
First place – Prisha Yelamanchili ($3,000), BASIS Chandler, Chandler, Arizona.
Second place – Stanley Huang ($1,700), Newport High School, Bellevue, Washington.
Third place – Reggie Castro ($1,000), Marianas High School, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.
Winners of the video competition who will receive cash prizes are:
First place – Lale Kutlu ($3,000), Lincoln High School, Seattle, Washington.
Second place – Aidan Cheng ($1,700), ‘Iolani High School, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Third place – Xavier Gatlin ($1,000), Lakeside School, Seattle, Washington.
Winning essays and videos are posted on the civics contest website https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest.