Members of West Hartford’s legislative delegation have announced a Women’s History Month Essay Contest, open to students at both Hall and Conard high schools, with submissions due by March 20, 2023.

Submitted

State Reps. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford, Newington), Tammy Exum (D-West Hartford, Avon), Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford), and Bobby Gibson (D-Bloomfield, West Hartford) have announced their Women’s History Month Essay Contest, which is open to all Hall and Conard High School students.

Participants are invited to submit an essay on one of the following prompts: Who is the most influential woman in your life today and why? Or who is a historically overlooked woman that inspires you?

“This Women’s History Month, we want to celebrate the achievements of women and recognize the ongoing fight for gender equity. We hope this essay contest will encourage students to think critically about the importance of women’s history and the role they play in society,” explained Farrar. “This is an opportunity for students to reflect on the women who have contributed to who they are and who they aspire to be.”

“Unfortunately, history is often viewed and taught through a male lens. The accomplishments of women throughout history are often belittled or, even worse, erased. This essay contest is an excellent way to illuminate the stories and successes of unheralded and marginalized women. I look forward to reading all the entries,” said Gibson.

“This essay contest is a great opportunity for students at Conard and Hall to talk about how the women in their lives – and throughout history – have impacted them,” said Exum. “Whether it’s science, art, politics, or sports, I want to read how womenhave provided hope and played an integral role in our children’s and country’s development. Through these essays, students will provide valuable perspective and recognition of how much women have accomplished but also a vital view of the obstacles that remain and critical thinking toward any solutions.”

“Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the many accomplishments of women who came before us and those who will come after us,” said Gilchrest. “I am so excited to read and learn from the essays that our West Hartford students will submit!”

All essays from must be submitted by Monday, March 20, 2023. The top submissions from Hall and Conrad High School will be recognized and receive state citations at the end of March.

To learn more about the Women’s History Month Essay Contest, contact Julianna Goldfluss at [email protected].

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