“WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO ME” ESSAY CONTEST
A special opportunity for students in grades 3-12 is the “What America Means to Me” essay contest, presented by the Beloit Historical Society and Visit Beloit. This student contest invites elementary, intermediate, and high school students to reflect on what America means to them by sharing their personal perspectives.
Who can participate?
- All students in grades 3-12 in the Beloit area are invited to submit an essay in either written or visual form. Eligible participants include students attending the School District of Beloit, School District of Beloit Turner, The Lincoln Academy, Rock County Christian School, Our Lady of Assumption School, The Richardson School, and Hendricks CareerTek.
How will entries be judged?
- There will be three grade categories: 3rd-5th grade, 6th-8th grade, and 9th-12th grade. Written essays will be judged by a panel coordinated by Jackie Jackson of the Beloit Historical Society, and visual essays will be judged by a panel coordinated by Dawn Stadelman of the Beloit Art Center. First and second place winners will be selected for each grade level and each essay category.
How do I submit an essay?
- Please submit written entries via the Google Form or in paper format. Visual entries may be dropped off at the Beloit Historical Society, located at 845 Hackett St., Beloit, WI 53511.
When is the submission deadline?
- Students may submit their work from March 1 to March 31, 2026. Judging will take place in April. Winners from the three grade categories will be notified and announced in April 2026.
What prizes will be awarded?
Both the winner and runner-up in all three grade categories will receive:
- Their work displayed at the Beloit Art Center, Wright Museum of Art, or Beloit College’s Morse Library.
- A certificate recognizing their achievement.
- An invitation to attend a City Council meeting.
- An invitation to present their work at the City of Beloit’s annual Pops on the Rock Independence Day celebration.
- Two tickets (winner plus one guest) to the Beloit Sky Carp baseball game on July 1, 2026, including dinner, merchandise or a gift card, and in-game recognition.
