The Megaphone encourages young people to exercise argumentative appeals and and showcase their ability to express their passions for community members from a local and global scope. Entering in our competition builds crucial writing skills and allows students the chance to have their work assessed by expert judges. Winning essays will be publicized on our newspaper and showcased on our website, and winners will be granted cash prizes and other awards as discussed in further detail below.
Prompt
Write an opinion piece on an issue in your community that you feel strongly about, and convince our judges why they should feel strongly about it as well. Your essay can focus on issues that affect billions or even tens of people, just as long as it is centered around something you are truly passionate about.
Submission
Submissions open on August 1, 2025. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the submission deadline: Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Candidates must be eighteen years old or younger on that date. Entry is free.
Age Categories:
- Junior: Ages 11-14
- Senior: Ages 15-18
Each essay must address only one of the prompts provided, and must not exceed 800 words (not counting diagrams, tables of data, endnotes, bibliography or authorship declaration).
There is a limit of two essay submissions per person.
Assessment
Expert Judges:
Student essays will be assessed by a panel of expert judges. You can find information about these judges listed below.
We strictly prohibit plagiarism, including generative AI, copying another person’s work, and other forms of fraud. Essays will be graded on quality of argumentation, originality, structure, writing style and persuasive force.
Results
Winners will be announced on October 26th, 2025. All prize-winners will be notified of their achievement by email, and will be listed on our website and social media pages.
Prizes
There are prizes for the best essays in each age category. Cash prizes total to more than $150 awarded.
1st Place – $70, featured article in our newspaper, letter of recognition from judges, certificate
2nd Place – $20, featured article in our newspaper, letter of recognition from judges, certificate
3rd Place – featured article in our newspaper, letter of recognition from judges, certificate
Honorable Mention – letter of recognition from judges, certificate
Key Dates
- Submissions open: August 1st, 2025
- Submissions deadline: October 20th, 2025
- Winners announced: November 15th, 2025
The Megaphone 