NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
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The National Essay Contest is a celebrated tradition that promotes critical thinking, literacy, and historical awareness. Students across the nation submit essays on topics related to Chinese American experiences, achievements, and challenges. This contest not only sharpens students' writing skills but also inspires them to reflect deeply on the significance of their heritage and role within American society.
This annual contest is open to any enrolled high school student in grades 9-12.
Chinese American Citizens Alliance sponsors this essay contest to provide a forum for expression by the youth who will be the future leaders of the United States.
2026 National Essay Contest - Lodge Planning Guide
Contest Date and Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026, commencing at 10 a.m. PST and concluding at 11:30 a.m. (computer laptop participants) and 12:00 p.m. (Bluebook participants)
Location: In-person at local participating lodges
Eligibility: Open to any student enrolled in high school (grades 9-12). No entry fee required.
Requirements: Participants in the Contest are to compose an essay in English not to exceed 500 words, at their Chinese American Citizens Alliance Lodge or a location designated by the Lodge on a subject regarding the Chinese in the United States. The exact essay topic will be announced at the time of the contest.
Judging: An impartial board of judges will be selected by the sponsor to judge the winners. Each essay will be judged on the basis of originality, clarity of thought, and expression. The decision of the judges on all matters submitted and their interpretation of the rules will be final, conclusive, and binding on all contestants.
Scholarship Awards:
First Prize: $1,500 and Certificate
Second Prize: $1000 and Certificate
Third Prize: $700 and Certificate
10 Awards of Merit: $100 and Certificate
All entry forms must be completed no later than February 28, 2026. Anticipated notification of winners is no later than mid-June.
PAST WINNERS
2025 National Essay Contest Winners
Merit Award
Alton Zhong (California)
Amelia Liu (New York)
Andrew Li (California)
Dylan Leung (Minnesota)
Jiaqi (Sophia) Liu (California)
Kathy Zhao (California)
Kazuhiro Malhotra (Oregon)
Keira Tan (Oregon)
Kevin Chang (California)
Michael Bai (California)
2024 National Essay Contest Winners
Merit Award
Allison Xia (Texas)
Amanda Li (Texas)
Caroline Stohrer (New York)
Emily Sun (Georgia)
Eun Jee Teo (Texas)
Gianna Zhang (California)
Madison Zhan (New York)
Richard Guan (California)
Vicky Liao (Massachusetts)
Yutian Li (Massachusetts)
2023 National Essay Contest Winners
First Place - Megan Tian (Oregon)
Second Place - Sophie Heitfield (Washington DC)
Third Place - Charlotte Tan (Pennsylvania)
Merit Award
Christina Chang (California)
Vivian Chang (California)
Aaron Cheung (California)
Olivia Ge (New Jersey)
Justin Li (Washington)
Katie Liang (Oregon)
Hazel Saydak (Oregon)
Jenell Theobald (Oregon)
Nicole Zhang (Ohio)
Albert Zheng (California)
2022 National Essay Contest Winners
First Place - Janice Wong (Los Angeles/Greater San Gabriel Valley)
Second Place - Taylor Nicholoff (Chicago)
Third Place - Elise Davies (Oakland)
Merit Award
Alissa Chen (Boston)
Hae-gyung Tessa Han (Seattle)
Vennela Jonnala (Oakland)
Vivan Ko (Los Angeles/Greater San Gabriel Valley)
Kimberly Sandoval (Greater New York)
Diane Sun (Seattle)
Wanrong Wu (Oakland)
Calvin Yang (Oakland)
Veronica Yang (Phoenix)
Sophia Zhang (Seattle)
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