Civics contest winners include Kootenai County students

The United States District Court for the District of Idaho has announced the winners of the 2026 District of Idaho high school civics contest, including several Kootenai County students. 

Essay winners: First place ($1,000) — Emma Shafer, homeschool, Rathdrum; second place ($500) — Noah Williams, Canyon Ridge High School, Twin Falls; and third place ($250) — Trevor Auger, Capital High School, Boise. 

Video winners: First place ($1,000) — Maliah Clawson, Boise High School, second place ($500) — Lauren Castaneda, Boise High School and third place (Total of $250) — the team of Sophia Davidson, McKenna Miller and Aidrian Gilliland, Post Falls High School.

The theme of this year’s contest was “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness — Your Voice. Your Story. Your America.” 

The theme celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

High school students in grades nine through 12 were invited to share their insights through essays or video presentations. 

The first-place winners were advanced to the Ninth Circuit's overall civics contest.