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Congratulations to the Winners of the 2025 High School Essay Contest - Fort Myers

Friday, December 19, 2025

This is the logo for the 2025 High School Essay Contest. On the upper right corner of the graphic, it reads, 'U.S. District Court High School Essay Contest.' The main focus of the graphic is a justice scale. On the left of the scale is the portion of an American flag that is blue with white stars. On the right of the scale is the portion of an American flag that is red- and white-striped. On top of the scale in the center are drawings of four people from diverse backgrounds. In the background of the graphic, the words 'JUSTICE FOR ALL' repeat from left to right, top to bottom.

The lawyers and judges of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, along with the Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association, congratulate the winners of the 2025 High School Essay Contest. The winners—including the student essay finalists as well as winning teachers and principals—will be honored at an awards ceremony on January 27, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building. 

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

1st place
Noah Moon
Canterbury School
 
2nd place
Arlin Rama
Mason Classical Academy
 
3rd place
Sidarth Kamath
Barron Collier High School
 
Fourth through Eighth Place (alphabetical)
 
Skyla Cagle
Optima Academy Online
 
Eli Chery
Naples High School
 
Grace Chinea
Gulf Coast High School
 
Madeleine Lee Barron
Collier High School
 
Grace Sandherr
Audrey Rogers High School

Please join us in congratulating the teachers of the top three student winners:

1st place
Emma Frank
Canterbury School
 
2nd place
Erin Hodge
Mason Classical Academy
 
3rd place
Mel Simmons-Rosen
Barron Collier High School
 

Thank you to all students who participated in the 2025 High School Essay Contest, as well as the teachers and principals who contributed to its success.

—Links to Essay Contest Information—

Contest Home Page

Essay Prompt

Information for Teachers

Rules

Top Eight Finalists Announced for the 2025 High School Essay Contest - Fort Myers

December 19, 2025