Winners Named In TEAM Westport's 2026 Teen Diversity Essay Contest

WESTPORT, CT — TEAM Westport, in partnership with the Westport Public Library, has named Kaila Patel and Liam Harrison as winners of the 2026 Teen Diversity Essay Contest. The students were recognized during an awards ceremony held at the library Tuesday.

The annual contest, now in its 13th year, invited high school students to reflect on the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the document’s signing. This year’s prompt asked participants to consider the declaration’s relevance to their daily lives and civic responsibilities, as well as ways local leaders and community members could better uphold its principles.

Organizers said the prompt encouraged students to examine both the historical context of the Declaration of Independence and its broader legacy as a statement of universal rights. Participants were also asked to connect those ideals to practical actions that support diversity, inclusion and belonging in Westport.

Kaila, a junior at Staples High School, was named the first-place winner and awarded $1,000 for her essay, “The Declaration of Independence: A Foundation, Not A Finish Line.” Liam, a sophomore at Staples, received second place and $750 for his essay, “Codex Officil Populi.” Both students read their essays during the ceremony.

The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who attend public or private schools in Westport, as well as Westport residents enrolled elsewhere.

"The Teen Diversity Essay Contest reflects the very best of Westport," said Westport First Selectman Kevin Christie. "These students engaged thoughtfully with both the ideals and the contradictions of the Declaration of Independence, and challenged all of us to keep expanding what liberty, equality, and belonging truly mean in our community. Their writing, insight, and civic engagement give me real optimism for Westport’s future."

Harold Bailey, chair of TEAM Westport, added, "In our 13th year of the contest, these thoughtful young writers have shared powerful reflections on the enduring ideals of the Declaration of Independence and what those principles mean for connectedness, belonging, and civic responsibility in our community today. With tremendous talent and keen insight, they continue the important tradition of teen essayists whose voices help shape how we pursue inclusion, equality and engagement within our schools and town."

Bill Harmer, executive director of the Westport Public Library, said the essays highlighted the role of younger generations in interpreting the nation’s founding principles.

"At a time when our nation is reflecting on 250 years of independence, these essays show that young people understand both the power of our founding ideals and the responsibility we share to make them real for everyone," Harmer said.

Judges for the contest included Michele Rubin, director of education, programming and development at the Westport Museum for History and Culture; Alex Giannini, programs manager at the Gruber Foundation; and television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes, founder of the Shondaland media empire.

TEAM Westport said the essay contest was created to engage local students in discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion. Previous topics have addressed issues such as hate speech, white privilege, microaggressions and identity.

More information about the contest and past winning essays is available at TEAM Westport’s website.