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2026 Carl C. Bell Memorial Award Essay Competition

In honor of Dr. Carl Bell’s Memorial Award, this year’s topic underscores a focal point of Dr. Bell’s work. Dr. Bell developed community-based mental health initiatives which encouraged inclusivity in psychiatry developing stronger communities.

Topic Question: The 24/7 digital world allows the ability to "always be on". Does this promote engagement on issues (such as climate change, politics, social media outlets, etc.) or does it create a path for emotional burnout, or a combination of both? What are strategies to maintain a positive outlook?

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: 

• Open to ALL Illinois High School Students. (Must either live in or go to school in Illinois)

• Submissions containing profanity or intolerance of others will be discarded.

•  It is preferred for the papers to be typed, but neat handwriting will also be accepted. 

•  Papers should be between 400-600 words maximum, double-spaced, and font size 12.

• References must be listed at the end of the essay.

• Disclose if AI was used at any point in the creation or editing of your essay. All essays are screened using multiple AI‑detection tools. Essays indicating a high level of AI use may receive a lower originality score.

•  Failure to follow the submission guidelines will result in an essay being discarded.

•  Submission deadline is May 15, 2026

* For more information, visit https://www.illinoispsychiatricsociety.org/carl-c-bell-award

First Name:

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Phone Number:

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Please choose ONLY ONE option below to submit your essay.

You may upload a file OR copy and paste. DO NOT submit your essay using more than one mode of submission.

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Essay Copy and Paste:

If you are unable to upload your essay above, please copy and paste it in the space below. The essay must not have any identifying information such as name, address, school name, etc.