STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis recently announced her annual Presidents’ Day Essay Contest, inviting youngsters to brainstorm ideas on how they would improve their community and the country if they were president of the United States.
“I’m happy to kick off this year’s Presidents’ Day Essay Contest, an opportunity for local students to engage in civics and share their ideas,” Malliotakis, a Republican who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, said.
The contest is open to students in grades three to five who reside in or attend school in New York’s 11th Congressional District.
Essays must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, and include the student’s first and last name, grade, school and a parent or guardian’s name and contact information. Submissions may be no longer than 400 words.
“In years past, students have focused on everything from public safety and litter to homelessness and animal welfare,” Malliotakis said. “We look forward to hearing from our youth about the issues that are important to them and their families and how they believe Washington can improve our community.”
The winners of the contest will be invited to a pizza party, where they will have a chance to discuss their ideas with the congresswoman. They will also receive a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local bookstore.
To submit an essay, students must email them as an attached Word document or PDF to the NY11 Youth Engagement email.