James Montgomery Flagg's "Uncle Sam" as shown on a 1917 recruitment poster. (Image courtesy of the Library of Congress)
We want YOU to enter our essay scholarship contest!
In honor of our country’s 250th birthday, Fideri News Network is celebrating with an essay scholarship contest. Starting in February 2026, Fideri will accept essays from high school seniors across the region on a specific topic each month relevant to the 250th celebration.
Essays are due on the 15th of each month and will be rated on a rubric by the Fideri News Network America 250 committee. The highest scoring essay each month will win a $1,000 scholarship and the top three essays will be published across our media platforms.
The contest will culminate in July with a celebration for the winners.
Due February 15, 2026:
Explain why the media has been labeled the fourth branch of government. Is this an accurate portrayal?
Due March 15, 2026:
Propose a new constitutional amendment that you believe is necessary and justify your reasoning.
Due April 15, 2026:
The framers were concerned with preventing an overly powerful government. Do the systems of checks and balances and federalism still effectively guard against government overreach in the 21st century?
Due May 15, 2026:
What would Founding Fathers say about today’s America? Pick one Founding Father and explain their perspective.
Due June 15, 2026:
To what extent should the First Amendment protect controversial forms of expression, such as hate speech and online harassment.
Essays should be between 600 and 800 words and written by the student (we will know if you used AI!). Please proofread and check for typos and grammatical errors and use citations where appropriate.
High school seniors can enter the contest by completing the google form here and are permitted to submit a new essay each month. The form requires entry of the student’s name, email address, high school, and their guidance counselor’s name and email address for verification purposes.
This is a great opportunity for seniors to compete for scholarship money for college or technical school and to have their work published across the vast Fideri News Network.
It’s time to get writing and best of luck! We look forward to reading your submissions.
Happy 250, America!
Editor's Note: This publication is one of many under the Fideri News Network umbrella. It is the parent company of an assortment of news publications in and around the Greater Philadelphia area and the Jersey Shore, led by CEO Terry Tracy.
