VRWF America’s Semiquincentennial

ESSAY CONTEST for

8th Grade Students

Contest Rules Summary – 2026

IMPORTANT: AI tools may be used for technical purposes such as editing, design, and transitions, but all original ideas, writing, and creative content must be the student’s own work. Entries will be analyzed by third party software.

All entries that utilize copyrighted media MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.

Submissions due no later than March 31, 2026

Write a 500 word essay explaining the following sentences from the Declaration o Independence and explore why it was a groundbreaking concept at the time – and how these words continue – 250 years later – to inspire our country and leaders, with special focus on “consent of the governed.”

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to ok secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”

• The application process will begin on January 1, 2026.
• The $250 scholarships (total of 4) will be awarded no later than May 1, 2026.
• The essay will only be submitted electronically, but MUST include student’s name, address, phone number, email, age, and grade on every page of the essay.
• Applications must be emailed to essay@visalia-rwf.org
• Applicant must be a United States citizen.
• Applicant must reside in Visalia; however, if the applicant resides in Tulare County, he/she is eligible if a parent or grandparent is a current member of Visalia RWF, in good standing, for a minimum of 3 consecutive years.