Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

Every year, my office celebrates Hispanic Heritage month by inviting students from Southwestern Connecticut to participate in an essay contest detailing how a Hispanic or Latino leader has inspired them. I hope you will consider joining this year and I look forward to reading your submissions!

Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Details:

Eligibility Criteria: All students enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school in Connecticut’s Fourth Congressional District are eligible to participate.

Topic: Students should reflect upon a Hispanic or Latino individual who has inspired them and helped shape their aspirations. The essay should reflect how the icon has inspired the student and their own aspirations, the importance of the icon’s legacy in the last 100 years and recognize their contributions and vital presence as a Hispanic/Latino person within the United States.

Word Minimum:

Elementary School (Grades K-5): 75 words

Middle School (Grades 6-8): 300 words

High School (Grades 9-12): 400 words

*Essays may be in English or Spanish with translation. Pictures are optional with submissions.*

**Please note: all essays should include a parent/guardian name, home address, email address, and phone number as well as the student’s name, grade, and school name.**

Deadline: All submissions must be received by Thursday, October 1, 2026; please email submissions to Christine.Cornielle@mail.house.gov.

Results: One winner will be chosen from the elementary, middle school, and high school submissions (totaling three winners). The winners will be chosen by October 15th, the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month. Once the winners are chosen, schools will be notified of the winners. Winners will have their essay displayed in the office of Congressman Himes, on our social media, and will receive a Congressional Certificate.