Congratulations 2026 Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest Winners

Published on May 27, 2026

Group of children posing outside City Hall

By Arlington Animal Services

Winners of the 2026 Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest were recognized at City Hall on Tuesday, May 19.

This year marks a major milestone for the Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest as the community celebrates the contest’s 25th year of inspiring young writers and promoting compassion for animals.

For twenty-five years, the contest has encouraged students across Arlington to use their creativity and critical thinking to explore the important relationship between people, pets, wildlife, and the environment. Since its implementation in 2001, the contest has helped strengthen awareness of responsible pet ownership while encouraging students to reflect on the role animals play in our community and daily lives.

This year’s participants submitted thoughtful and imaginative essays that highlighted the coexistence and importance of wildlife in our city. The competition was especially strong, showcasing the talent and dedication of Arlington students from third through sixth grade. After careful judging, twelve outstanding essays were selected as winners.

A special congratulations goes to St. Joseph Catholic School, which proudly earned four winning placements in this year’s contest.

The Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest is open to students who reside in Arlington and attend public, private, charter, or home schools within the city limits. Over the years, the contest has continued to grow into a meaningful tradition that not only celebrates writing excellence, but also encourages students to become thoughtful advocates for animals and the environment.

2026 Essay Contest Winners

Grade 3

Topic: How can we coexist with wildlife?

  • 1st Place – Silvio Lopez, St. Maria Goretti Catholic School
  • 2nd Place – Daniella Alvarez, Goodman Elementary School
  • 3rd Place – Jameson Glass, Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language

Grade 4

Topic: What is migration and why do some animals migrate?

  • 1st Place – Reese Miller, St. Joseph Catholic School
  • 2nd Place – Audrey Kerschen, St. Joseph Catholic School
  • 3rd Place – Eugenie Nguyen, St. Joseph Catholic School

Grade 5

Topic: How are animals affected by the environment?

  • 1st Place – Penelope Stahl, St. Joseph Catholic School
  • 2nd Place – Frankie Leach, Duff Elementary School
  • 3rd Place – Madelyn Palmateer, Children's University 

Topic: Which animal species is endangered from loss of habitat and what can we do to help?

  • 1st Place – Pax Latt, Arlington Classics Academy
  • 2nd Place – Dev Parekh, Butler Elementary
  • 3rd Place – Aya Osman, Butler Elementary

The City proudly recognizes all students who participated in this year’s contest and applauds their dedication to learning about animal welfare, conservation, and environmental responsibility.

Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: City of Arlington Animal Services, EECU, and Spring Creek Barbeque for their continued support of this valued community program and for helping encourage the next generation of writers and animal advocates.

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