Write Women Back Into History Essay Contest

Sponsored by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, Iowa Department of Education, and the State Historical Society of Iowa, the Write Women Back Into History annual essay contest serves to celebrate Women's history month--March--and to increase awareness of the contributions made by Iowa women.

Write Women Back Into History Guidelines and Entry Form.

The theme for 2013 is “Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.” The deadline is January 25, 2013. Download the guidelines and entry form for more details.

2012 Contest Winners:

Best General Essays for 6 - 7 Grades
1.         Elizabeth Barrett
            Harding Middle School, Cedar Rapids
            Teacher: Cindy Lancial

2.         Ally Richards
            Urbandale Middle School, Urbandale
            Teacher: Melanie Smith

3.         Susanne Kerr
            North Polk Elementary, Alleman
            Teacher: Sarah Seligman

Best General Essays for 8-9 Grades
1.         Molly Doruska
            Northview Middle School, Ankeny
            Teacher: Amy Akers

2.         Gabriella Baker
            North Polk Middle School, Alleman
            Teacher: Susan Vernon

3.         Mary Korch
            Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids
            Teacher: Ashley Weaver

Best Essay on Women in Science and Engineering for 6-7 Grades
1.         Sreeja Vepa
            Urbandale Middle School, Urbandale
            Teacher: Melanie Smith

Best Essays on Women in Science and Engineering for 8-9 Grades
1.         Emily Robinson
            Creston Middle School, Creston
            Teacher: Mary John

2.         Kirsten Siebenga
            Harding Middle School, Cedar Rapids
            Teacher: Ann Timm

 

For more information, call (515) 281-4470.

2011 Celebration Day



On March 10, 2011, the winners came to Des Moines to celebrate their success.
Students were introduced in both chambers of the Iowa General Assembly,
met with Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds,
and enjoyed a tour of the Iowa Capitol.

Focus of Essays

Students are encouraged to choose a woman, preferably from Iowa, from any historical period, past or present, and write about the accomplishments of her life and how she has made a difference to the student and to society in the social justice and civil rights arena. Although Iowa women are preferred and encouraged, the subject of the essay may be a woman from another state or another country.

Essays should identify the following:

  • Why the woman should be written into history (i.e., what meaningful contributions has she made to her community, the state, nation, or world?), and
  • Why she is important to the student. Students should consider what people would learn about us from this essay 50 years from now.

A successful essay will discuss why the student researched, read about, interviewed, and/or found the subject to be a role model; it should not merely be a biographical sketch. A student’s own thoughts on the significance of the woman’s contributions are important.

Oral interviews are strongly recommended. Other research methods may be used as long as the information in the essay is accurate and sources are cited.

Can You Participate?

Any Iowa youth in grades 6 - 9th may enter one essay.

Awards

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winner in each of the 6-7th Grade and 8-9th Grade divisions (first place - $100, second place - $75, and third place - $50).

Special awards and cash prizes are given to the best essays on women in science and engineering each of the 6-7th Grade and 8-9th Grade STEM divisions.

All winners will be honored in a ceremony at the State Capitol and introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Past Winners

Copies of the winning essays and lists of winners for previous contests:

For more information, contact Michelle Rubin at michelle.rubin@iowa.gov or (515) 281-4470.

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