News Summary
Gabriella D’Agostino of Chuckey Doak High School won first place in the Seventh Annual Federal Court Civics Essay Contest in Knoxville. The contest, promoting civic engagement, encouraged students to discuss law enforcement’s use of deadly force under the Fourth Amendment. Second and third place awards were given to Marteze Simpson and Alexa Longmire, respectively. The event highlights the importance of youth voices in civic discussions.
Knoxville Celebrates Seventh Annual Federal Court Civics Essay Contest
Knoxville, Tennessee – Gabriella D’Agostino, a rising sophomore at Chuckey Doak High School, has been awarded first place in the Seventh Annual Federal Court Civics Essay Contest. The event was held on May 13, 2025, at the Howard H. Baker, Jr. United States Courthouse, recognizing talented student writers from 24 counties across East Tennessee.
D’Agostino received a prize of $500 for her outstanding essay, which explored the complex issue of law enforcement’s use of deadly force in the context of the Fourth Amendment. In her writing, D’Agostino articulated the importance of limiting such force to situations that present a genuine threat, a perspective deemed critical in the contemporary discourse surrounding policing practices.
The contest drew participation from public, private, and homeschool students, showcasing a wide range of talent and viewpoints on the constitutional question of “reasonableness” regarding police force. The second place award, accompanied by a $300 prize, went to Marteze Simpson, a rising senior from Fulton High School. Simpson responded to this year’s prompt with insight into the judiciary’s role in evaluating circumstances involving law enforcement actions. The third place prize of $200 was awarded to Alexa Longmire, a rising senior at Jefferson County High School, who also presented a compelling argument on the complexities of the Fourth Amendment.
Contest Details and Structure
The annual essay contest has become an instrumental platform for students to engage with pressing constitutional issues. This year’s prompt required participants to research and discuss various factors that courts should consider when determining if an officer’s use of deadly force is reasonable under the law.
The contest was coordinated by the court’s Civics and Outreach Committee alongside the Federal Bar Association chapters in Knoxville and Greeneville. The initiative aims to foster civic understanding and encourage informed discourse about the rights and responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution among young people.
Importance of the Contest
This year’s theme resonates with ongoing national conversations about law enforcement and civil rights, making the contest a vital opportunity for participants to delve deeply into the implications of their findings. The top three essays were celebrated during a ceremony at the courthouse, where the contribution of young voices in shaping the dialogue surrounding civic responsibilities was highlighted.
Background on Federal Court Civics Essay Contest
Since its inception, the Federal Court Civics Essay Contest has sought to involve high school students in discussions about civil liberties and the legal framework that governs American society. Aligned with a national contest organized by the Federal Bar Association, the local competition encourages participants not only to express their views but also to research and understand the nuanced relationships between law enforcement, civil rights, and the judiciary.
Further details about the contest and its educational initiatives can be found on the court’s Connections website. The ongoing support and sponsorship from local bar associations and the court’s Civics and Outreach Committee underline a commitment to enhancing civic literacy among the youth of East Tennessee. The celebration of student achievements in this context provides a meaningful recognition of their hard work and insightful contributions to essential conversations about democracy and justice.
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Additional Resources
- The Mountain Press: Winners of Civics Essay Contest
- WJHL: Chuckey Doak Student Wins $500 for Essay
- Greeneville Sun: Chuckey Doak Student Wins Essay Contest
- Wikipedia: Fourth Amendment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee Government and Society
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
