Congratulations to our 2026 winners
The winners of the 2026 contest, The Unique Alliance of America and France, were announced on Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, September 27. Watch their video and read their winning essays.
- Ages 11–18Public, private, military & homeschool
- $10,000Top first prize
- 3Age groups, judged separately
- 100%Anonymous judging
About the contest
Over the course of history, millions of Americans and other freedom-loving people around the world fought to stop evil. The Past is Prologue Essay Contest invites students to learn how and why, and to reflect on what those lessons mean for their own lives today.
Each year, students ages 11 to 18 choose a moment in American military history, research it with an adult editor, and write an original essay answering two questions: what lessons from that event are useful for us today, and what difference it makes to their own lives and futures.
Meet the 2026 winners
Prizes
First, second and third place are awarded in each age group.
Ages 11–12
- 1st Prize $5,000
- 2nd Prize $2,500
- 3rd Prize $1,500
Ages 13–15
- 1st Prize $10,000
- 2nd Prize $5,000
- 3rd Prize $2,500
Ages 16–18
- 1st Prize $10,000
- 2nd Prize $5,000
- 3rd Prize $2,500
The 2026 topic
The Unique Alliance of America and France
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, 2026 students wrote about the alliance between France and the United States during one of four periods:
- The American Revolution
- Post-Revolution through post-Civil War
- World War I: Battle of Meuse-Argonne
- World War II: Operation OVERLORD
Past winners
Watch the winners’ videos and read their essays.
Questions? Email [email protected]
ABMF is grateful to the Boeing Company for its sponsorship of the Past is Prologue Essay Contest.