‘Weha the People’ student essay contest is part of the America 250 celebration.

West Hartford Mayor’s Youth Council. Courtesy photo

By Maddie Geraghty

Calling all middle and high school students looking to win up to $500!

Your Mayor’s Youth Council is hosting an essay contest to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The purpose of the essay contest is to honor the people that shaped West Hartford into the town it is today.

The competition is open to West Hartford students in Grades 6-12 who live or attend school in West Hartford. Students in Grades 6-8 will be expected to write 250-500 words and students in Grades 9-12 are expected to write 500-750 words before the deadline, April 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

They will be answering the prompt: “Which local historical figure has had an important impact on shaping West Hartford as we know it today? Describe how this person influenced the community in their time and explain how their legacy still affects life in West Hartford today, or connects to your own experiences.”

Winners will be selected from each age group with a $500 first place prize, $250 second place prize, and a $100 third place prize. Winners and honorable mentions will also get the amazing opportunity to be published in a commemorative booklet. Prizes will be awarded at Celebrate! West Hartford on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

This is an amazing chance to celebrate our town and showcase your ability to research and write a comprehensive essay. As well as that, it’s a great opportunity if you are a high school student looking to add to your college applications or a younger student who wants to dive deeper into your passion for history.

The contest is being hosted by the West Hartford Mayor’s Youth Council and the West Hartford Public Library.

Visit the Town of West Hartford website for information or email [email protected] with any questions.

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