To mark the America 250 anniversary this year, Chattanooga area high school students are invited to submit essays responding to the question: “What is an American?”
The definition of an American, and who is included in it, has morphed over the 250 years since the nation’s founding. Debates over who qualifies as an American, and over what an American should be, continue today.
To you, what defines an American? And how important is that label to you and the people in your life?
Who is eligible?
› Current high school (grade 9-12 during 2025-2026 school year) students in Southeast Tennessee or Northwest Georgia
› Public, private or homeschool students welcome
What are the essay requirements?
› 700 words or less
› Clearly answer the prompt and make an effective argument with examples
› Write without the use of AI tools (like ChatGPT and others)
Representatives from the Times Free Press and the Chattanooga Area Historical Association will review and judge the essays.
Winning essays will receive cash prizes — $500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third — and will be published in the Perspective section.
Submissions are due May 8, and winners will be announced May 15.
To submit
Email your essay to opinion@timesfreepress.com with the subject “America 250 student essay contest” and include your name, age, grade, school, home address and phone number.
Addresses and contact information will not be published.
For more information, contact Ellen Gerst at egerst@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6319.
Note: This story was updated on April 28 to reflect an extended deadline for submissions.
— From the editors