Every year, students in AP English Language compete to write an opinion piece that best captures the moment, the mood, and the imagination of the student body. Our editorial staff selects three winners and two honorable mentions. Here are the winners of this year’s contest:
2026
1st Place: Linai Green
America is Keeping us Comfortable & Ignorant

Honorable Mention: Erik Espinosa
Voices They Tried to Silence: Student Walkouts Against ICE in Austin.



