Each year, as our community comes together for the Honoring America’s Veterans (HAV) Veterans Day Parade in Phoenix, perhaps one of the most unique parts of the celebration doesn’t come from the floats or marching bands; it comes from the voices of our youth.
As part of our mission to connect generations through gratitude and education, we’re proud once again to present the HAV High School Essay Competition. Open to all Arizona high school students in grades 9 through 12, including home-schooled students, this competition gives high schoolers the chance to reflect on this year’s parade theme: “America, Our Guiding Light.”
Through this competition, we’re asking students to think deeply about the values that continue to illuminate our path as Americans. What principles guide our country forward? How have veterans, past and present, helped keep that light shining for future generations? And what does it mean, in their eyes, to serve something bigger than oneself?
We’re seeking heartfelt, thoughtful essays between 350 and 500 words that speak to the importance of service, freedom, unity, and the role of veterans in preserving all three. It’s the perfect opportunity for these students to reach out to our veterans and gather their insights.
Submissions are open now, and the deadline is September 30. Winners will be selected from each grade level (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th), and the rewards are both meaningful and memorable.
- A $250 gift card/check
- Promotional items from the parade
- The opportunity to ride on a Fire Truck during the parade!
- Publication of their essay both online and in the official HAV Veterans Day Parade program
Imagine the pride of waving to the crowd from atop a fire engine, knowing your words helped inspire thousands. Imagine seeing your thoughts in print, next to stories of bravery and honor from real American heroes.
Veterans often say they served so future generations wouldn’t have to. But by honoring them, our youth gain a deeper understanding of what service truly means. This competition is more than a writing contest; it’s a bridge between those who served and those just beginning to understand what it means to be a citizen.
We encourage teachers, parents, and mentors to share this opportunity with the young writers in their lives.
Submit your essay online by Oct. 10, 2025 at https://honoringamericasveterans.org/essay-competition.