2026 Student Writing Challenge Winners
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 President Gerald R. Ford Student Writing Challenge. Over $9,000 was awarded to winners and their teachers.
This year’s theme asked students to consider the question:
How will you help advance our nation’s founding principles and contribute to building the more perfect union that our founders envisioned?
The prompt was inspired by President Ford’s reflections during America’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. Ford described the Declaration of Independence as the source of the nation’s founding ideals and recognized the Constitution as the framework that turned those principles into action. He emphasized that the struggle for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is an ongoing responsibility that must be achieved by every generation.
As our nation marks 250 years of independence, students were challenged to reflect on how they will advance these founding principles to build a more perfect union.
From the many thoughtful and inspiring essays submitted from across the country, the Foundation is proud to recognize the following winners:
First Place ($2,500) - Cara Hudnall, St. Agnes Academy – Houston, TX
Second Place ($1,500) - Finn Outwater, Eno River Academy – Hillsborough, NC
Third Place ($1,000) - Dianara Salazar, Central High School – Fort Worth, TX
Honorable Mentions ($500 each)
Samuel Brinks– Trinitas Classical School, Grand Rapids, MI
Samantha Ferrara– Harrison High School, Harrison, NY
Kaylee Gadepalli – Community High School, Ann Arbor, MI
Henry Holton– Spring Valley High School, Columbia, SC
Matthew Ives – Cypress Bay High School, Weston, FL
Carter Shearon — North Allegheny Senior High School, Wexford, PA
SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas — Waukee High School, Waukee, IA
“The Student Writing Challenge is one of the highlights of our year at the Ford Presidential Foundation,” said Gleaves Whitney, the Foundation’s executive director. “Reading how much these students love America inspires us to reach and teach more of the rising generation than ever before. We offer heartiest congratulations to the winners and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”
“I was impressed with this year’s student essay challenge participants!” said Brooke Clement, director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. “So many are already contributing to building a more perfect union and I hope this only spurs them to further action in the future.”
Meet the 2026 Student Writing Challenge Winners:
Cara Hudnall —St. Agnes Academy, Houston, TX (1st place)
“I am incredibly honored and grateful... Winning this award reminds me that my words have power, and that my perspective matters. This pushes me to keep writing, keep thinking, and keep showing up at 100% with everything I do.”
Finn Outwater —Eno River Academy, Hillsborough, NC (2nd place)
“I am so excited that my essay was selected as the second place entry. I feel so honored! As someone who loves history, it was fun to write about how I could contribute to building a more perfect union by learning about President Ford more.”
Dianara Salazar — Central High School, Fort Worth, TX (3rd place)
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this award. It means a lot to be recognized, and I appreciate the support and encouragement that has helped me reach this point.”
Samuel Brinks —Trinitas Classical School, Grand Rapids, MI (Honorable Mention)
"I was surprised but am grateful that my essay was well received. I hope it encourages people that their small voice can do great things.”
Samantha Ferrara — Harrison High School, Harrison, NY (Honorable Mention)
“This award is especially meaningful to me because, through my work in the community, I’ve learned that helping people often starts with listening, understanding their needs, and responding with care. I’m honored that the Foundation recognized the values behind Sam’s Sacred Style and the impact community-centered service can have both locally and beyond.”
Kaylee Gadepalli — Community High School, Ann Arbor, MI (Honorable Mention)
“I'm so honored to have received this award, and I'll work hard to fulfill my civil responsibility and be deserving of it.”
Henry Holton — Spring Valley High School, Columbia, SC (Honorable Mention)
"I feel so honored to receive this award from the Ford Presidential Foundation. The Foundation's recognition of my work and its relevance to the continuation of our nation's fundamental principles is inspiring and it propels me forward! Also, this is probably the closest I'll ever get to a president, which is really fun!"
Matthew Ives — Cypress Bay High School, Weston, FL (Honorable Mention)
“I am very honored to receive this award, and I am grateful to the organization for giving me the opportunity to compete.”
Carter Shearon — North Allegheny Senior High School, Wexford, PA
“I am truly honored to receive an honorable mention among such a large and competitive pool of submissions. President Ford's commitment to civic responsibility and the belief that each generation must actively work to uphold our founding principles resonated deeply with me, and I am glad that came through in my writing.”
SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas — Waukee High School, Waukee, IA
“Receiving this award is both humbling and inspiring. It strengthens my commitment to leadership, public service, and contributing meaningfully to the continued pursuit of a more perfect union.”