Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has announced the start of her annual President’s Day Essay Contest for students in grades 3-5 who live in or attend school within New York’s 11th Congressional District. The contest encourages young participants to write about how they would improve their community and 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,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “In years past, students have focused on everything from public safety and litter to homelessness and animal welfare. 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.”
Winners will receive a certificate of recognition, a gift card to a local bookstore, and an invitation to a pizza party where they can discuss their ideas with Congresswoman Malliotakis.
The submission deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026. Essays must be no longer than 400 words and submitted by email as a Word Document or PDF attachment to NY11YouthEngagement@mail.house.gov. Submissions should include the student’s name, school, grade, class, parent or guardian’s name, and contact information.
Nicole Malliotakis has represented New York’s 11th district in the U.S. Congress since 2021 after replacing Max Rose. Before her current role in Congress, she served in the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2021. She was born in New York City in 1980 and currently lives in Staten Island. Malliotakis holds degrees from Seton Hall University and Wagner College.
