Malliotakis Announces 2026 President's Day Essay Contest

(STATEN ISLAND/BROOKLYN, NY) - Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis announced the launch of her annual President's Day Essay Contest. This annual contest invites students in grades 3-5 who reside in or attend school in New York's 11th Congressional District to share their ideas on how they would improve their community and country as President of the United States.

"I’m happy to kick off this year’s Presidents’ Day Essay Contest, an opportunity for local students to engage in civics and share their ideas," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "In years past, students have focused on everything from public safety and litter to homelessness and animal welfare. We look forward to hearing from our youth about the issues that are important to them and their families and how they believe Washington can improve our community.”

Winners will receive a certificate of recognition, a gift card to a local bookstore & will be invited to a pizza party where they will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas with Congresswoman Malliotakis.

CONTEST DETAILS:

• Submission deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026

• The contest is open to students in grades 3-5 who reside or attend school in New York's 11th Congressional District.

• Essays must not exceed 400 words in length.

• Submit essays by email as an attached Word Document or PDF to NY11YouthEngagement@mail.house.gov.

• To be considered, essays must include the student's first & last name, school, grade, class, along with parent or guardian's name & contact information and the following information.