The Alumni Tribute Prize
Students invited to research and creatively engage with LA High's legacy
The McKnight Alumni Tribute Prize Student Competition is an opportunity for current LA High students to research and creatively engage with the school's history, legacy, and esteemed alumni. Through the prize competition, the McKnight Opportunity Fund will award up to four prizes each year, in the amount of $1000 for each prize.
The goal of the Alumni Tribute Prize is for current students at LA High to be aware of and engage with the history and legacy of the school by learning about its esteemed alumni. The McKnight Opportunity Fund believes in the greatness of LA High and aims for current students to learn from and be inspired by the professional achievements of LA High alumni.
Creativity and academic excellence come in many forms. Students are invited to submit their reflections of LA High's distinguished alumni in a variety of different formats including a written essay, poem, theatrical narrative, screenplay, visual artwork, or performance. All submissions will be judged on their quality of research, insight into the subject, opinions on the value of the
alum’s contribution, and clarity of expression.
See below for the 2025-2026 Call for Submissions, FAQs, and List of Distinguished Alumni.
2025-2026 Competition Deadline: April 15, 2026
Questions? Contact us at info@mcknightfund.org
Why a Student Prize Competition
Creativity + Academic Excellence
Creativity and academic excellence come in many forms. The McKnight Alumni Tribute prize seeks to help students develop their critical thinking, research, and communication skills which will assist them throughout their educational careers and beyond.
Community
Learning about and honoring the legacy of LA High helps strengthen the school community and connect students with the broader culture of Los Angeles.
Inspiration
Explore about the lives and accomplishments of alumni to the school who have made an impact in their personal and professional lives. Reinvigorate the soul and inspire students to achieve their own personal and professional goals upon graduating from LA High.
Story
Tells a story about the history of LA High that transcends culture, ethnicity and language.
Aristotle
"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance"