2026 Graduate of the Year Contest

The 2026 Graduate of the Year Contest is open to all 2026 Arete graduating high school seniors. To participate, seniors must complete the form below and submit a short written or video description on the impact of your school experience – what it has given you so far and how it will help you with your future goals. A panel of judges will choose one winning entry. The winner will receive $1,000 plus Beats noise-cancelling headphones, and an Arete swag bag (hoodie, insulated water bottle, ceramic mug, and more). Plus, the first ten qualified entries will receive a $20 Visa gift card!*

To Enter:

Complete the form below and submit a short written or video essay that best describes the impact your Arete partner school has had on your life.

The Prize:

$1,000 plus Beats noise-cancelling headphones, and an Arete swag bag (hoodie, insulated water bottle, ceramic mug, and stickers).

Guidelines:

Answer all the questions in the form below. 

Include a written or video description - all creative video styles of expression are accepted, such as interviews, reenactments, music videos, animation, etc. 

Here are some sample questions to consider when putting together your entry. You can choose to answer one or more of these questions, or you can choose to tell your story in a different way:

• When I think about who I was a few years ago and who I am today, the biggest change in me is…
  
• One challenge I faced during high school that shaped who I am today was…
  
• An experience that helped me grow in confidence, character, or leadership was…
  
• The opportunity to pursue my education has changed my life by…
• One moment during high school when I realized how much I had grown was…
  
• The path I am choosing after graduation excites me because…
  
• In the future, I hope to use what I have learned to impact others by…

How to Enter:

• Attach a written answer (500 words) to the form below, or...
• Upload a video (up to 3 minutes) to YouTube and paste the video link into the form below. 
• Submit your entry no later than 5/4/26