NeW is excited to announce that the winner of the High School Category for our 2026 Essay Contest is Emma Hurley, a student at Niagara Wheatfield High School in Sanborn, New York. Congratulations, Emma!
How did you hear about the 2026 NeW Essay Contest, and why did you choose to participate in it?
I originally learned about the NeW Essay Contest through social media. I’ve always loved American history, so the essay topic immediately caught my eye and felt like a great opportunity to write about something I’m genuinely passionate about.
What was your favorite part about writing this essay?
My favorite part of writing this essay was reflecting on how the ideas in the Declaration of Independence have lasted over 250 years and still hold meaning today. The prompt asked me to consider what in our founding documents has stood the test of time, including the meaning of “unalienable rights.” As I was writing, I kept replaying in my head the moment that my mom recently took her oath of citizenship. It taught me that the rights and freedoms described in the Declaration are not something distant, but something real that people still value and seek out today. Being able to connect the 250th anniversary of our country to a personal experience made the essay more meaningful to me and gave me a deeper appreciation for the personal responsibility that comes with those rights.
Why is NeW important?
NeW is important because it provides a community for women to engage with conservative ideas, especially in environments like college campuses where those perspectives are often underrepresented. It encourages young women to think seriously about the principles that shape our country and to engage with them in a meaningful way. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, that kind of engagement really matters. Organizations like NeW help make sure these conversations continue with the next generation by giving young women the opportunity to develop their own understanding of these ideas and recognize the role they can play in preserving them for the future.
Read Emma’s winning essay in the Washington Examiner.
NeW is excited to announce that the winner of the College Category for our 2026 Essay Contest is Dameiya McMillian, a student at Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama. Congratulations, Dameiya!
How did you hear about the 2025 NeW Essay Contest and why did you choose to participate in it?
I found out about the easy contest through social media. I chose to participate because I wanted to share my thoughts and take advantage of the opportunity.
What was your favorite part about writing this essay?
My favorite part about writing this essay was being able to express how I felt and be creative while doing it.
Why is NeW important?
NeW is important because it gives young people the opportunity!
