Pinay student earns high commendations at 2026 John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize
Amanda Katherine “Andy” Chua is a young Filipina student who conquered the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize with two distinctions in law and politics.
A young Filipina student earned high commendations in both law and politics at the 2026 John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize, distinguishing herself among thousands of international participants.
The final results were announced during the competition's annual award ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London.
Amanda Katherine "Andy" Chua, an 11th-grade student at Everest International Academy in Manila, submitted essays in both law and politics that were shortlisted in July from a pool of more than 10,000 entries submitted worldwide.
The initial shortlist represented roughly the top 17.5 percent of eligible entries.
Chua’s essays advanced further during the final judging phase, earning "High Commendations" in both categories—a distinction awarded to approximately 3 percent of all entrants.
"I’m incredibly grateful and honored to receive High Commendations for both my Law and Politics essays," Chua said. "The experience of competing alongside students from around the world challenged me to think more deeply, strengthen my arguments and express my ideas more clearly."
She expressed gratitude to her family, teachers, and mentors, adding that the recognition encourages her to continue exploring complex legal and political topics.
The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize challenges high school students to construct independent, rigorous arguments on advanced topics across multiple academic disciplines, drawing participants from diverse educational backgrounds globally.
Chua is the daughter of advertising executives Chewy and Ela Chua and the granddaughter of media and advertising executive Gil G. Chua of GGC Group Asia.