The AOH is pleased to announce the revival of an old tradition, the AOH Irish History Essay Contest.
This contest, which is designed to stimulate an interest in the study of the history of Ireland and the global Irish Diaspora, is open to students who are enrolled in grades 11 or 12 during the 2025/2026 Academic Year.
OFFICIAL RULES
TOPIC: Write an essay on the contributions of men and women of Irish heritage to the founding of the United States of America. All essays should be aligned with, although not necessarily about, the mission, charities, values, and traditions of AOH. Essays should be based on documented historical evidence and primary sources where available. Submissions will be evaluated on historical accuracy, quality of research, and effectiveness in illuminating Irish contributions to the founding of the United States.
ELIGIBILITY: All Grade 11 (Junior) and 12 (Senior) students enrolled in a parochial, public, or private school in the United States or its territories during the 2025/2026 school year, including or those who are home schooled are eligible. This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex or national origin. Each participant may submit only one entry.
LENGTH: 1000 to 1,200 words, excluding titles, citations and references.
FORMAT: Essays must be typewritten or word processed in Times New Roman 12-point font. Essay must be submitted in Word format – Google Docs or Drive links will not be accepted. Visually impaired students may utilize adaptive formats/technologies, in which case the submission should include a written transcript and a letter from a teacher or physician attesting to the need for accommodation. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers and should include a bibliography. Criteria include: Proper citation of sources; Correct formatting of the list of works cited; and following MLA rules for margins and indentation.
Each essay must include title page/cover, with the following information:
1) Title:
2) Contestant’s full name, mailing address, telephone number and email address, if available. (Parent/Guardian or Teacher contact information may be substituted for applicants under 18 years of age);
3) Name of contestant’s school and 2025/26 grade level; and
4) Essay word count.
RESOURCES AND ATTRIBUTION: All entries must be the original work of the Student/Contestant and plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited. Submissions that include copied, paraphrased, or unattributed material from any source, including published content, online content, or artificial intelligence tools will be disqualified. Essay must include a bibliography listing all references utilized. The bibliography should be cited in a standard, recognized citation style (e.g., APA, Chicago, MLA, etc.). Internet resources, if used, should be cited in the same style, including the electronic address used to access the document and most recent date accessed. Essays should draw from a variety of sources such as academic publications/journals, government documents, books and newspapers/journals. The use of primary sources – original documents and objects created at the time under study, is encouraged. The use of general encyclopedias, including Wikipedia, is prohibited.
ENTRY FORM: All submissions must be accompanied by a fully executed official entry form, signed by the Student/Contestant and their parent or legal guardian, when required.
PRIZES: Two submissions will be selected as prize winners. The author of the First-Place winning essay will receive a monetary prize/scholarship in the amount of three thousand ($3000.00) dollars. The author of the Second-Place winning essay will receive a monetary prize/scholarship in the amount of one thousand, five hundred ($1500.00) dollars.
JUDGING: Essays will be judged based on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, originality, organization of material, grammar and spelling.
DEADLINE: Submissions, including a fully completed Entry Form, must be received by June 15, 2026 11:59 P.M., EST to be eligible for consideration.
SUBMISSION: Entries may be submitted by email to dmtaylorjr@gmail.com