The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) and the Iowa State Bar Foundation are proud to announce the Sesquicentennial Celebration Essay Contest winners. Held in honor of the ISBA’s 150th anniversary, this contest provided Iowa high school students with a unique platform to explore the impact of law on their lives, communities, and the history of the state of Iowa.
Sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Foundation, the essay contest invited students from all 14 judicial districts across the state to select and write about a law-related person, place, event, or document connected to the ISBA’s century-and-a-half legacy. From profiling local attorneys and law firms to reflecting on landmark Iowa Supreme Court decisions, students delivered insightful and thought-provoking perspectives.
The ISBA is delighted to announce the following winners:
- First Prize ($1,000): Sophie McGee (District 1A), Coraliz Ortiz-Valentin (District 1B), Paul Peterson (District 2B), Rachel Bare (Districe 3A), Brigid Bonner (District 3B), Emily Townsend (District 3B), Haylie Zinkula (District 5A), Natalia Zimmerman (District 5B), Edie Lang (District 5C), Killian Simanek (District 6), Amelia Reicks (District 7), Giorgi Natchkebia (District 8)
- Second Prize ($500): Molly McBride (District 1B), Izaiah Wilder (District 2B), Billie Oxendale and Caitlin Todd (District 3B), Pete Gunkel (District 5A), Ella Waske (District 5B), Aravind Balaji (District 5C), Katie Hubbs (District 6), Kathryn Taylor (District 8)
Each essay was evaluated by a panel of judges on criteria such as originality, mastery of the topic, quality of writing, and critical thinking. The blind judging process ensured impartiality and fairness, with students competing within their respective judicial districts.
“The ISBA is thrilled to see young Iowans engaging with the state’s rich legal history in such meaningful ways,” said Melvin O. Shaw, President of The Iowa State Bar Association. “This contest exemplifies our mission to inspire future generations to appreciate the importance of law in shaping our society.”
The winning essays captured a range of perspectives, from reflections on Iowa’s judicial system to creative visions for the future of law in the state. Excerpts from the winning essays will be featured in upcoming ISBA publications and on its website.
The ISBA congratulates all participants for their efforts and thanks the teachers and sponsors who supported students throughout this process. Together, they have highlighted the significance of law in Iowa’s past, present, and future.
For more information about the ISBA Sesquicentennial Celebration Essay Contest or to read excerpts from the winning essays, please visit www.iowabar.org/essay. For publication permissions, please get in touch with Haley Bohlmann at hbohlmann@iowabar.org or 515-697-7896.
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