OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 6, 2026) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today an essay contest for Oklahoma middle school students to explore what the state means to them and what they believe will make Oklahoma stronger in the years ahead.
“From our smallest rural communities to our largest cities, generations of Oklahomans have demonstrated a spirit of resilience and determination that continues to define our state today,” Drummond said in a letter to teachers, parents and students. “That spirit is found in our classrooms, on our farms and ranches, in our businesses, among our first responders and members of the military, and in families and communities across all 77 counties.”
All students in sixth through eighth grade who attend an Oklahoma public, private, charter, virtual or tribal school or who participate in a homeschool program are eligible to submit an essay completing the prompt “My hope for Oklahoma’s future is…,” "What makes Oklahoma special is..." or "I am proud to be an Oklahoman because..." in 250 to 350 words. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 15.
A panel of judges will review all submissions and select the top outstanding essays. From the finalists, Drummond will select one for special recognition.
Students selected for recognition will be invited, along with their families and teachers, to a ceremony where their ideas, their love for Oklahoma and their vision for the future will be celebrated.
“Our young people should know that their voices matter,” Drummond said. “I look forward to hearing, in their own words, what they love about Oklahoma and the kind of state they hope to inherit and someday lead.”
Contest information has been shared with Oklahoma schools. For questions, email OklahomasFuture@oag.ok.gov.
