2026 World Citizen Essay Contest Awards Ceremony | Celebrating Democracy’s Promise: Youth Reflections at 250 Years

In 2026, we mark two extraordinary milestones—the 75th Anniversary of the World Affairs Council of Seattle and the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Together, these anniversaries invite us to reflect on democracy—its promises, its challenges, and the role each of us plays in shaping its future.

Since 1951, the World Affairs Council has worked to bring people together, foster cross-cultural understanding, and prepare individuals for an interconnected world. Over the past 75 years, democracy has evolved in complex ways—thriving in some contexts while facing deep challenges in others. At its core, democracy is not static; it is lived and shaped daily through participation, dialogue, and the collective effort to build trust within and across communities.

This year’s World Citizen Essay Contest (WCEC) invited students in grades 3–12 across Washington State to reflect on these themes and share their perspectives on the future of democracy. Students explored questions about global citizenship, local action, historical lessons, and the role of democratic systems in addressing shared challenges such as climate change and sustainable growth. Over 300 students representing 17 schools rose to the occasion, submitting essays that were insightful, imaginative, and full of heart—demonstrating how young people are engaging with the responsibilities of citizenship and envisioning a more just and inclusive democracy. In essays of 1,000 words or less, they offered thoughtful, creative, and deeply personal reflections—highlighting the insight and leadership of the next generation.

We invite you to celebrate these powerful youth voices at the 2026 World Citizen Essay Contest Awards Ceremony, “Celebrating Democracy’s Promise: Youth Reflections at 250 Years,” on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM at Lake Washington Girls’ Middle School (doors open at 6:00 PM). This FREE community event will feature a keynote conversation, recognition of our 2026 World Educator, and the opportunity to hear excerpts from our student winners. Together, we will honor outstanding students, educators, and the broader community that supports global learning and civic engagement.

We are deeply grateful to our 2026 WCEC Prize Sponsors—Boeing, Boeing Seafair Airshow, the Seattle Mariners, San Juan Excursions, Pacific Northwest Ballet, FRS Clipper, Global Family Travels, Argosy Cruises, and the Seattle Aquarium—for their generous support. Your contributions help make this celebration possible and meaningful, and provide unforgettable experiences that honor and inspire our student participants.

Join us for an inspiring evening of reflection, celebration, and connection as we uplift youth perspectives and explore what democracy can become over the next 75 years.

RSVP by clicking the “Register Here” button above, and keep scrolling to learn more!

KEYNOTE CONVERSATION

America at 250: Education and the Foundations of Democracy

We are honored to welcome former World Educators for this year’s keynote conversation—“America at 250: Education and the Foundations of Democracy.” Together, they will explore how education serves as one of the most powerful forces in sustaining and strengthening democratic societies.

Drawing from their work in civic engagement, global education, and classroom innovation, our speakers will reflect on how educators can meaningfully impact student lives and shape the next generation of global citizens. Their conversation will highlight real-world projects that connect students to local and global issues, deepen civic participation, and build the skills young people need to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

As we mark 75 years of the World Affairs Council and look ahead to 250 years of the United States, this dialogue underscores a central truth: democracy is not only taught in classrooms—it is practiced, experienced, and strengthened through education. Educators play a critical role in fostering people-to-people connections, expanding global understanding, and helping students see themselves as active participants in democratic life.

This keynote conversation will examine how education continues to shape the foundations of democracy and why investing in youth voice, civic learning, and global competence is essential to our shared future.

NOTE: Our three first-place winners will have the special honor of asking a question during the keynote conversation—an exciting opportunity to engage directly with our featured speakers.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 WORLD EDUCATOR!

Catherine Ousselin is a French teacher at Mt. Vernon High School and the Executive Director of the Washington Association for Language Teaching (WAFLT). A passionate global educator, Catherine’s approach to teaching is deeply rooted in her early experiences growing up in Midwestern communities shaped by Filipino, Cambodian, and Vietnamese immigrants and refugees. These formative years fostered her multilingual abilities and cross-cultural understanding, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to global learning.

Catherine’s international experiences span nearly every continent, from Europe and East Asia to Africa and the Pacific. Through her travels, she brings authentic cultural perspectives, resources, and lived experiences directly into her classroom. Her teaching emphasizes not just language acquisition, but the development of cultural competence—ensuring that all students, regardless of their ability to travel, can meaningfully engage with the world.

In her French 1–AP courses, students explore global cultures through immersive, thoughtfully designed units that deepen their understanding of diverse perspectives. Catherine believes that being a “World Educator” means equipping students with the curiosity, respect, and skills needed to navigate an interconnected world—preparing them for future lives and careers as globally minded citizens. Click to learn more about Catherine!

Honoring our 2026 WCEC Student Winners & Honorable Mentions!

Click the blue buttons below to check out this year's outstanding participants!

Thank you to our 2026 World Citizen Essay Contest Participating Schools:

Bryant Elementary School, McDonald International School, The Lake and Park School, Summit Trail Middle School, Maple View Middle School, Seattle Girls' School, Medina Academy, Annie Wright Schools, Summit Public Schools: Atlas, Glacier Peak High School, Inglemoor High School, Raisbeck Aviation High School, Renton Senior High School, Roosevelt High School, Lincoln High School, Ballard High School, and Seattle Academy.

A special thank you to our 2026 WCEC judges—your support makes this event possible! 

 Cheryl Collins, Christina Greene, Darcy Hollie, Guillaume Cravero, Heather Ching, Jacqueline Miller, Julianna Patterson, Magda Davis, Mya Vann, Nathan Sharpe, Nick Pellett, Noah Zeichner, Olivia Kugiya, Rebecca Carr, Rosa Salazar, Ryan Hauck, Tamara Leonard, Tanner Howard, Tom Lombardo, Julian Mydil, Maya Sullivan, Alicia Austin, Heather Ching, Kara Easum, Kristy Starnes, Lexi Thompson, Justin Howard, Heidi Woods, Kristy Hanshaw, Chandra Self, Aaron Emerson, Tim Kemp, Scott Hatfield, Kathy Porter, Michele Anciaux-Aoki, and Kirstin Bullington.

2026 Sponsored Awards

First Place

This year's first place prize is sponsored by Boeing and the Seattle Mariners! Each winner will enjoy an elevated game-day experience from the Terrace Club Level, just above first base, with four spacious, fully padded seats. This premium seating area includes table service for food and drinks, offering a restaurant-style experience right in the ballpark—far beyond typical stadium fare.

The package also includes a $100 food and beverage voucher, making it easy to enjoy a full outing without extra cost. These seats offer comfort, great views, and a memorable experience that would make any young fan feel especially celebrated. Winners will also received a signed Mariners baseball card!

Second Place

This year’s second Place Prize is generously sponsored by San Juan Excursions! Each winner will receive a voucher for a Whale Watching & Wildlife Tour for one of their unforgettable guided excursions through the stunning waters of the Pacific Northwest.

This experience offers students the opportunity to witness incredible marine wildlife, including orcas, seals, eagles, and more, while learning about the region’s unique ecosystems from knowledgeable naturalists. It’s a memorable, hands-on way to connect with the natural world and experience the beauty of the Salish Sea.

Third Place

This year’s third Place Prize is proudly sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Ballet! Each winner will receive a pair of tickets to a select performance, offering the opportunity to experience world-class ballet in one of Seattle’s premier performing arts institutions.

In addition to the performance tickets, winners will also receive special Pacific Northwest Ballet merchandise as a keepsake of their experience. This prize celebrates creativity, storytelling, and artistic expression; giving students a chance to engage with the arts in a meaningful and inspiring way.

ALL winners will be invited to participate in a VIP tour of Seattle’s renewed waterfront and explore the history, community, and parks that make up this beautiful area of our city, hosted by Global Family Travels!

Honorable Mention recipients will have the chance to enter into a drawing to win a voucher for four to enjoy either a scenic Argosy Cruise , attend Boeing Seafair Airshow weekend, or a visit to the Seattle Aquarium.

2026 World Educator

This year, the World Educator will be presented with a certificate of achievement, and will invited to participate in Global Classroom's upcoming Global Classroom Educator Fellowship (GCEF) at no cost!

As a token of appreciation for their work to bring the world into the classroom, the 2026 World Educator will also receive a gift certificate for round trip travel for two between Seattle and Victoria B.C., sponsored by FRS Clipper.

A sincere thank you to our community partners for their continued support and sponsorship of these amazing experiences for our awardees!