Your Voice Matters. Your Ideas Can Inspire Change.
Each year, the Kirkwood Human Rights Commission (KHRC) invites local students to share their ideas on important human rights issues through our Annual Essay Contest. If you’re passionate about fairness, equality, and building a better community, we want to hear from you!
Who Can Enter?
This contest is open to 11th grade students who:
✔️ Attend Kirkwood High School, Vianney High School, or Ursuline Academy
✔️ Live in Kirkwood but attend other schools
✔️ Are homeschooled and live within the Kirkwood R-7 School District boundaries
This Year’s Topic
What is the most important human rights issue currently? Why?
We want to know what matters most to YOU. Share your perspective on a human rights issue you believe needs more attention, and explain why it’s important.
How to Enter
Write an essay that:
✔️ Is 500 - 750 words
✔️ Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, with one-inch margins
✔️ Pages numbered
✔️ Submissions must be the student’s own work (AI-generated content is prohibited)
On the first page, include:
✔️ Your name, age, address
✔️ Phone number and email
✔️ School name (or “homeschooled” if that applies)
Deadline to Submit
🗓️ Sunday, February 22, 2026
⏰ By 11:59 p.m.
Essays received after this deadline won’t be considered, so be sure to submit on time!
How to Submit Your Essay
You can submit your essay in one of three ways:
📬 Mail or deliver in person to:
Jessica Winter
Kirkwood City Hall
139 S. Kirkwood Rd.
Kirkwood, MO 63122
📧 Email (as a PDF attachment only—no links or pasted text):
winterja@kirkwoodmo.org
How Your Essay Will Be Judged
Our judges will be looking for:
✔️ Thematic Maturity: Is your essay thoughtful, organized, and meaningful?
✔️ Content: Are your ideas well-developed and impactful?
✔️ Communication: Is your writing clear, with good grammar and structure?
Prizes
🏆 1st Place: $100
🥈 2nd Place: $75
🥉 3rd Place: $50
🏅 4th Place: $25
Winners may also be recognized at a City Council meeting and featured in local media!
This is your chance to make your voice heard. Share your ideas. Make a difference.
👉 Learn more by viewing the contest guidelines to enter
