The Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government (CCCG) has once again shone a spotlight on exceptional young minds at Notre Dame, celebrating the fifth annual Publius Prize for Undergraduate Writing. This isn’t just about handing out awards; it’s about fostering thoughtful conversations on critical public affairs, a tradition inspired by the profound insights found in the Federalist Papers. The CCCG bravely invited students from all corners of the university – regardless of their year, background, or academic path – to share their published thoughts. They were looking for articles and essays that delved into topics like politics, philosophy, law, economics, culture, or religion, all with the goal of enriching and broadening the public’s understanding. It’s a testament to the students’ dedication that so many took up this challenge, and the CCCG extends its heartfelt gratitude to every single one who submitted their work for consideration.
The competition was smartly divided into two categories, reflecting the diverse platforms where these young voices are making an impact. One category recognized pieces published in campus publications, those vital avenues for internal university dialogue. The other acknowledged work that reached a wider audience through local, national, and even international media outlets. Each of the chosen winners was awarded a well-deserved prize of $250, a small token of recognition for their hard work and intellectual contributions. After a meticulous and careful selection process, the CCCG proudly announced two standout individuals who truly embodied the spirit of the Publius Prize.
In the campus publication category, the top honor went to Liam Kelly, a bright student from the class of 2026, for his compelling article “Notre Dame Must Choose Courage.” Published in The Observer on February 13, 2026, Kelly’s piece wasn’t just an opinion; it was a powerful call to arms. He argued passionately that Notre Dame carries a unique and crucial responsibility to stay deeply rooted in its Catholic traditions, especially in a world that seems to be growing increasingly secular. To drive his point home, Kelly specifically brought up the hiring of Professor Susan Ostermann and, with thoughtful critique, questioned the university’s decision to appoint her as the head of the prestigious Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. This example wasn’t a standalone jab; it served as a powerful illustration for a much broader message: a heartfelt plea for the University to find the courage, come what may, to continue being a shining beacon of Catholicism. As Kelly himself put it so eloquently, “What is needed is courage, a resolution to stand firm in its identity both on campus and beyond, come what may. Ultimately, there can be no higher calling for a University as storied as Notre Dame than fulfilling its Catholic mission in the fullest sense.” His words resonate as a profound reminder of the core identity he believes the university must protect and champion.
Shifting to the broader stage of local, national, and international media, the Publius Prize recognized Maria Eduarda Grill, a talented student from the class of 2028, for her insightful piece titled “Outrage Over Accuracy: What the Los Angeles Protests Teach About Democracy Online.” Her article, published in The Fulcrum on September 24, 2025, tackled a pressing modern issue with remarkable depth. Grill drew a fascinating parallel, comparing Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa’s stark warnings about atomic bombs to the contemporary threat of rampant digital misinformation that, like an insidious force, erodes the very foundations of democracy. To illustrate the real-world impact, she skillfully used the 2025 Los Angeles protests as a vivid example, shedding a stark light on the inherent dangers of false media. She articulated this challenge eloquently, stating that in the digital age, “truth had to fight against algorithms designed to reward virality and profit, rather than accuracy.” But Grill wasn’t just highlighting problems; she offered hope by providing concrete examples of solutions already implemented in the European Union and exploring potential strategies that could be adopted in the United States. Her powerful closing thought, “Americans are not powerless in the face of disinformation,” serves as an inspiring call to action, reminding us that we have the agency to combat this modern menace.
Beyond the well-deserved winners, the CCCG also made sure to shine a light on several exceptional students through Honorable Mentions, a testament to the overall brilliance and insightful contributions of this year’s participants. In the campus publications category, Abby Strelow, a rising voice from the class of 2028, received an Honorable Mention for her thought-provoking article “Notre Dame Doesn’t Do Enough for LGBTQ Students,” published in The Irish Rover on February 26, 2026. Strelow’s piece was not a criticism devoid of appreciation; she thoughtfully commended Notre Dame Campus Ministry for their diligent efforts in organizing faith-based group events, such as Masses and retreats, specifically for LGBTQ students. However, she didn’t shy away from emphasizing the crucial need for even more avenues of support, advocating for “an authentically Catholic approach to sexuality and gender,” a nuanced perspective that calls for greater understanding and inclusion within the university’s Catholic identity.
In the category recognizing local, national, and international media publications, the CCCG extended Honorable Mentions to two more outstanding individuals, each tackling distinct yet equally vital topics. Ella Yates, a student from the class of 2027, was recognized for her compelling column “Rebuilding Virtue: We Need an Architecture Revival,” which appeared in Religion and Liberty Online on July 16, 2025. Yates’s piece was a passionate plea for humanity to reconnect with its historical roots, specifically by rediscovering the profound importance of celebrating beauty as a means to uphold the inherent dignity and goodness we are believed to receive from God. She argues that this spiritual reawakening can powerfully manifest through the beauty of architecture, because, as she beautifully puts it, such structures “lift our souls into contemplation of the divine source of creation.” Finally, Nia Maria, from the class of 2028, earned an Honorable Mention for her incredibly comprehensive essay, “Louisiana v. Callais and the Fate of Race-Conscious Representation,” published in the Midwestern Citizen on February 17, 2026. Maria’s essay delved into the intricate complexities of Louisiana v. Callias, a significant Supreme Court case that emerged after legislators in Louisiana redrew district maps based on race in 2024. Her analysis underscored that this new map serves as a contemporary and critical test, powerfully posing the question: “It invites the question whether a system that prohibits even the conscious recognition of race can ever dismantle racial hierarchies built through centuries of exclusion.” Her work bravely confronts the ongoing challenges of achieving true equity and representation in a society still grappling with its historical legacies. The CCCG extends a hearty congratulations to all the winners and honorable mentions, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in these excellent pieces. Looking ahead, keep an eye out for the call for next year’s Publius Prize, which will kick off in the spring of 2027, promising another round of insightful student voices shaping public discourse. For continued updates and offerings from the CCCG throughout the coming year, subscribing to their email list is a great way to stay connected.