The lawyers and judges of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, along with the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, congratulate the winners of the 2024 High School Essay Contest. The winners—including the student essay finalists as well as winning teachers and principals—were honored at an awards ceremony held in Courtroom 14B of the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse on Monday, December 16, 2024. 

Of the student winners, first place received a $2,000 award and the opportunity to shadow United States District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington. Second place received a $1,000 award, and third place received a $500 award. Fourth through tenth place were each awarded $250. Each of the top ten winners also received a framed certificate and goody bag containing various District Court-branded gifts.  

The first-place winning essay is available to read here. Please join us in congratulating the following top ten winners:

The teachers of the top three student winners were each awarded a $500 classroom grant. Please join us in congratulating the following teachers:

At the awards ceremony, the top three schools and top three teachers with the most student essay entries were also recognized. These teachers and schools contributed immensely to the success of the 2024 High School Essay Contest. Of the participating schools, first place was awarded a $1,000 grant, second place was awarded a $500 grant, and third place was awarded a $250 grant. As for the top three teachers, each received a $150 classroom grant. Please join us in congratulating the following teachers and schools:

Thank you to all students who participated in the 2024 High School Essay Contest, as well as the teachers and principals who contributed to its success.