The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) Young Lawyers Division (YLD) has announced the winners of its annual Know Your Constitution program, recognizing high school students across Iowa for their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and their thoughtful written responses on its meaning and impact.
The Know Your Constitution program invites students in grades 9–12 to complete a 50-question, open-book quiz and submit a short essay addressing a constitutional topic. Designed to encourage civic engagement and deepen understanding of constitutional principles, the program continues to reach students in all corners of the state.
Each year, approximately 100 finalists are selected, one from each of Iowa’s state legislative districts, based on their combined quiz scores and essay submissions. These students, along with their teachers, are invited to Des Moines for a special recognition luncheon. In addition to receiving certificates and medals, finalists are entered into a drawing for ISBA scholarship awards.
The 2026 class of top essay winners represents an impressive group of students who demonstrated exceptional insight and writing ability:
- Arjun Anjugu, Cedar Falls High School
- Ben Cadden, BGM High School
- Cordell Hoeft, Central Springs High School
- Israel Kodiage Jr., Cedar Falls High School
- Megan Kota, Cedar Falls High School
- Coraliz Ortiz-Valentin, Waterloo West High School
- Amelia Reicks, Maquoketa High School
- Derek Samuel, Johnston High School
- Sophia Tweeten, Clear Lake High School
- Kara Whitacre, George-Little Rock High School
“These students exemplify the importance of understanding our constitutional framework and the role it plays in our daily lives,” said YLD Know Your Constitution Chair Jefferson Fink. “Their essays reflect a strong commitment to civic learning and thoughtful engagement with foundational legal principles.” The 2026 finalists were notified in December 2025 following submissions from schools across the state. Participation in the program begins each fall, with quizzes distributed to schools in September and submissions due in early December. Teachers play a key role in facilitating student participation and submitting completed materials to the ISBA.
The Know Your Constitution program remains a cornerstone of the YLD’s public service efforts, fostering civic education and inspiring the next generation of informed citizens and future legal professionals. A full list of 2026 finalists and the winning essays is available at iowabar.org/KnowConstitution.
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