For Teachers
WRITING CAN BE meaningful
Students who can express connections to history find meaning in their writing. With support from teachers, students can create a personal narrative, reflecting their authentic selves.
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This contest takes place at the beginning of each school year. Inform your students of the essay contest, during the first weeks of the school year.
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Set apart a one-hour time to allow students to write their essay. This essay should not be a polished homework assignment, but rather a language sample opportunity with a one-hour time limit (see rules).
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Submit your class’s essays by the deadline: September 18, 2025.
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Awards - Essays will be judged by a committee of educators and historians. There will be four winners, one from each of the following categories: Family Legacy, Community Impact, Historic Account, Biography.
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Essay winners will receive $75, the opportunity to attend a public award presentation at the 2025 WRHC in Deadwood, SD, and publication of their essay in the biannual WRHC Collected Papers which is also permanently archived in BHSU Archives and Special Collections, accessible online.