Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Announces Winners of 6th Annual Civics Challenge

PHOENIX, February 28, 2025 (Newswire.com) - The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy is pleased to announce the ten winners of the 6th Annual Civics Challenge. This online civics competition, open to students in grades 6 through 12, invites them to choose a civics education topic and express their knowledge through an essay, short video, or original song.

"We are amazed by the knowledge, creativity and talent these students have demonstrated," Institute President and CEO Sarah Suggs said. "Justice O'Connor was committed to civics education and the tremendous interest in our Civics Challenge is inspiring as we look to future generations to lead our nation. We congratulate all of the winners and honorable mention recipients for their commitment to civics."

The winners of the middle and high school categories are listed alphabetically below. Each student earned a $500 cash prize.

Middle School Winners:

• Hunter C., 7th Grade, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

• Ilyannie G., 8th Grade, Tacoma, Washington

• James F., 7th Grade, Phoenix, Arizona

• Silas H., 8th Grade, West Chester, Pennsylvania

• Yuna J., 8th Grade, Moorestown, New Jersey

High School Winners:

• Jonathan C., 11th Grade, Phoenix, Arizona

• Maddox L., 12th Grade, Roswell, Georgia

• Rory D., 12th Grade, Simi Valley, California

• Shai R., 11th Grade, Burlingame, California

• Tucker E., 9th Grade, Westport, Connecticut

The Institute created a brief highlights video featuring clips showcasing the prize-winning students' talent.

In addition, the Institute is pleased to commend the following honorable mentions in each category.

Middle School Honorable Mentions:

• David U., 8th Grade, Manhattan Beach, California

• David W., 8th Grade, Desoto, Texas

• Elane F., 8th Grade, Laguna Niguel, California

• Maria B., 8th Grade, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

• Sonya V., 8th Grade, Parisippany, New Jersey

High School Honorable Mentions:

• Amelia N., 9th Grade, Stamford, Connecticut

• Frances A., 12th Grade, Napa, California

• Laila S., 11th Grade, Washington, D.C.

• Matilda F., 9th Grade, Montpelier, Vermont

• Naina D., 11th Grade, San Jose, California

• Ronan P., 12th Grade, Metuchen, New Jersey

• Rudra P., 12th Grade, Tampa, Florida

• Travis D., 11th Grade, Mazomanie, Wisconsin

Winning entries and additional information on the Civics Challenge and other Institute programs are available at oconnorinstitute.org/occwinners. Details for the next Civics Challenge will be announced in September 2025.

###

About the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy

Founded in 2009 by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the O'Connor Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3), continues her distinguished legacy and lifetime work to advance civil discourse, civic engagement, and civics education. The Institute's programs serve individuals of all ages from 50 states and six continents through educational digital platforms and events, as well as original research. The Institute also catalogs the life and work of the first female Supreme Court Justice through the Sandra Day O'Connor Digital Library. Additionally, the Institute is the conservator of her former home, O'Connor House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit OConnorInstitute.org to learn more.

Source: Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy