Join us in volunteering as a MAXCourage judge and make a direct impact by reviewing powerful stories of courage written by students from around the world. As a volunteer judge, you'll be invited to share your perspective and help select which essays will be nominated for publication in The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond.

Andover judging participants will collaborate as a team on judging day. Essays will be provided upon arrival. The process entails reviewing, deliberating, and selecting essays for publication. However, all student essayists are honored.

Thursday, February 12, 2026
Two sessions available
Morning: 9–noon
Afternoon: 12:30–3:30 p.m.
 

Northeastern University - Alumni Center
716 Columbus Ave, 6th Floor
Boston

Register directly with MAXCourage by clicking on the Details and Registration link below. Within your registration under the Additional Information section, designate "Andover Group" when prompted with the question: Are you attending with another person or a group?

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Registration deadline is February 5, 2026
 

The thirty-fifth annual MAXCourage Essay Contest is a national and international contest that encourages students from diverse backgrounds to use their writers voices and share personal narratives about exceptional acts of courage in their communities and in their lives. MAXCourage empowers students to discover the value of courage and to develop English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency. MAXCourage has served over 220,000 students since its inception.

Questions? Kindly contact Lori Paglia in the office of Alumni Engagement