Tuesday, April 08, 2025
A Record-Breaking Year for the Hope and Stanley Adelstein Essay Contest
Each year, the Hope and Stanley Adelstein Essay Contest invites high school students from across Northeast Ohio to engage deeply with one of the most foundational principles of our democracy—Freedom of Speech. Since its inception, this annual tradition has challenged young people to explore the ever-evolving meaning of free expression in a society shaped by current events, new technologies, and shifting cultural norms.
And this year? Something incredible happened!
The 2025 Hope and Stanley Adelstein Essay Contest brought in over 350 submissions from more than 37 different high schools—our highest participation since 2015. That’s not just a number; it’s a powerful reflection of how deeply young people care about free speech, their role in civic life, and their right to be heard.
This year’s prompt asked students to reflect on the limits of student expression in light of real-world events:
In recent years, student protests on various issues have sparked debate over the balance between free speech and institutional authority. In some cases, universities have responded with disciplinary actions such as suspensions or expulsions when students did not comply with warnings to end their protests.
In light of this, think of a current or past example where students’ free speech has been questioned or challenged. Should students be punished for expressing their views, or does free speech protect their right to protest? How much control should schools have over student expression, and where should the limits be drawn?
The responses we received were thoughtful, bold, and at times, deeply personal. Students tackled real-world examples, reflected on the responsibilities of educational institutions, and showed us how urgently and passionately they care about justice, equity, and their rights as individuals.
As we prepare to celebrate the winners below, we want to take a moment to thank every single student who submitted an essay—you are the heart of this contest, and your voices matter.
9th/10th Grade Winning Essay - The Power of Student Voices: Why Protests Must Be Protected
11th/12th Grade Winning Essay - Protest Provides Us A Platform
NEW THIS YEAR: Help Us Shape the 2025-2026 Prompt
Do you have a compelling question or topic idea related to free speech that you believe students should be writing about? For the first time ever, we’re inviting YOU—students, teachers, past contest participants, and civically engaged individuals—to submit ideas for next year’s essay prompt!
Maybe there’s a conversation happening in your school. Maybe you’ve been wrestling with an idea around speech and digital platforms, protest culture, or book bans. We want to hear from you. - Submit your idea here!
