Sumner County HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS are invited to participate in our annual Essay Contest. Applications are welcome from students in public, private or home schools.
One winning essay will be awarded $1,000. All referring teachers will be entered into a lottery to receive $500 towards classroom supplies/resources.
Essay Prompt & Parameters
Essays should capture the student’s observations on the essay prompt:
The American Story We Inherit: Sumner County at America’s 250th
In 2026, the United States commemorates 250 years since the signing of our Declaration of Independence. America’s history is not found only in famous documents, national monuments, and distant battlefields. It also lives in the people, places, events, and traditions of communities like Sumner County.
Choose a person, place, event, or historic resource from Sumner County that reveals something meaningful about the American story. What does it teach us about the ideals, opportunities, struggles, or responsibilities that have shaped our nation? Also, as America begins its next 250 years, explain what your generation should carry forward, what it should learn from, and how you personally intend to participate in the civic life of your community and country.
Possible forms of participation might include voting, participating in local government, serving others, preserving community history, engaging respectfully with people who disagree, among others.
Essays must be titled, up to 750 words, typed and double spaced. Essays exceeding the word limit will be automatically disqualified.
A Note About AI-Generated Essays
We want to hear your ideas and writing. While AI tools can be useful for learning, essays created or rewritten by AI will be disqualified. This contest celebrates original thinking and your authentic voice, so make it your own!
Contest Rules
- Only one entry per student is allowed.
- Essays must be received by the Preservation Foundation of Sumner County by 11:59 PM, November 6, 2026. No late entries will be accepted.
- Students must be enrolled in a Sumner County public, private or home school association.
- The essay must be the original work of the student.
- Failure to comply with the contest rules will result in disqualification.
Judging & Prizes
One high school senior will be selected as decided by a panel of judges (business and nonprofit leaders in Sumner County). Judges may also choose to award Honorable Mention(s) though these will not include a financial award. Names and school affiliation will not be revealed to the judges during the process. Essays will be judged based on content, originality, and creativity. Results will be announced by Wednesday, November 25, 2026.
Submit
To submit your essay, compose an email with the following information:
- Student’s Name
- Student’s Email
- Expected Graduation Date
- School
- Essay Title
- Referring Teacher and Teacher Email, where appropriate
Send this information and your attached essay to: essay@sumnerpreservation.org.
If you have any questions, please contact us at this email or call (615) 572-7282. You will receive a confirmation upon receipt. Note: Please call if you don’t receive a confirmation to ensure your essay is received.