4th of July Speech and Essay Writing Contests

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In 2026, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary! To commemorate this event, the Town of Merrimack authorized the creation of the Merrimack USA 250th Anniversary Planning Committee. This committee in partnership with the Merrimack School District is excited to offer a speech contest to the students of Merrimack High School. This contest is being held to not only commemorate the anniversary of America’s founding but also to celebrate the immensely talented and dedicated students in Merrimack.

Contest instructions & timeline

Interested students grades 9 through 12 should prepare a two-minute speech on a topic related to America’s 250th anniversary.

Possible prompts include but are not limited to: 

• What do you hope America will accomplish in its next 250 years? 
• Where do you see patriotism in your community? 
• How are the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality still being valued today? 

Speech Contest Rules & Guidelines

• All speeches must be the student’s original work. The use of artificial intelligence to assist in writing or planning is strictly prohibited.
• All speeches must be appropriate for all ages to understand and enjoy.
• Speeches must relate to America’s 250th anniversary.
• Speeches should be at least 2 minutes in length.

How to Enter

•  A typed version of the speech should be sent in PDF format no later than 11:59PM on June 1st to info@merrimackusa250.org. No late submissions. 
• You will receive a confirmation by June 4th of receipt of your submission and you will deliver your speech to our judging panel on Wednesday, June 17th at 5:30PM in the Matthew Thornton Meeting Room at Town Hall. 

Prize

Prize awards are generously provided by the Gage & Lawrence Fund. The first-place speech contest winner will receive a $250 cash prize, with $150 awarded for second place and $100 for third place. The first-place speech contest winner will also be given the opportunity to deliver their speech at the July 3rd Concert at Abbie Griffin Park.

In 2026, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary! To commemorate this event, the Town of Merrimack authorized the creation of the Merrimack USA 250th Anniversary Planning Committee. This committee in partnership with the Merrimack School District is excited to offer an essay contest for students of Merrimack Middle School. This contest is being held to not only commemorate the anniversary of America’s founding but also to celebrate the immensely talented and dedicated students in Merrimack.

Contest instructions and timeline

Interested students grades 7 and 8 should prepare a 2-page essay on a topic related to America’s 250th anniversary. 

Possible prompts include but are not limited to:

• What do you hope America will accomplish in its next 250 years? 
• Where do you see patriotism in your community? 
• How are the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality still being valued today? 

Essay Contest Rules and Guidelines

• All essays must be the student’s original work. The use of artificial intelligence to assist in writing or planning is strictly prohibited.
• All essays must be appropriate for all ages to understand and enjoy.
• Essays must relate to America’s 250th anniversary.
• Essays should be in size 12 font, double spaced, and reach the bottom of the 2nd page.

How to Enter

• Typed essays should be sent in PDF format to info@merrimackusa250.org no later than 11:59PM on June 1st. No late submissions will be considered. 
• Essays will be reviewed and judged by a panel including committee members, community leaders, and Merrimack High School English teachers.

Prize

Prize awards are generously provided by the Watkins Forest Income Fund. The first-place essayist will receive a $250.00 cash prize, with $150.00 awarded for second place and $100.00 for third place.