Student Essay Contest
The Virginia School Boards Association is holding its sixth Student Essay Contest. The first-place winner will present before an audience of more than 200 school board members and administrators at the 2026 VSBA Conference on Education held at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel in Virginia Beach on July 16, 2026.
We hope that this contest will bring out the very best in students’ writing and speaking efforts and allow our attendees to witness examples of bright, thoughtful, and accomplished students from around the state. This year’s topic is: Rooted in Public Education.
The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 award. Submissions are open to all Virginia public high school students (grades 9-12), in school divisions that are members of the VSBA. This contest is a great opportunity for students to share their unique voices as well as compete for funds to further their education. This year’s contest is sponsored by Haney Phinyowattanachip, PLLC.
For more information on the contest and complete guidelines please view the guidebook linked below.
The deadline for applications is Monday, May 4, 2026, by 4:00 p.m.
For questions, please contact communications@vsba.org.
Thank you to this year’s sponsor:
2026 Student Essay Contest Winner and Honorable Mentions:
Congratulations to the 2026 Student Essay Contest Winner, Sophie Poletsky, a student from Portsmouth City Public Schools! You can view Sophie’s winning essay below:
Congratulations to the 2026 Student Essay Contest Honorable Mentions!
Gleb Kasyan from Arlington County Public Schools
Evelyn Mullins from Winchester City Public Schools