Members of West Hartford’s legislative delegation have announced a Women’s History Month Essay Contest, open to middle and high school students in town, with submissions due by March 25, 2024.

Submitted

State Reps. Kate Farrar (West Hartford, Newington), Tammy Exum (West Hartford, Avon), Jillian Gilchrest (West Hartford), Bobby Gibson (Bloomfield, West Hartford), and James Sánchez (Hartford, West Hartford) announced their Women’s History Month Essay Contest, open to all West Hartford high school and middle 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?

The Rotary Club of West Hartford will award a $500 scholarship to the top high school essay and $250 to the top middle school essay for this year’s Women’s History Month Essay Contest.

“Women’s contributions and accomplishments can often be left out when we learn about our history,” explained Farrar. “The designation of March as Women’s History Month offers the opportunity for us all to reflect on women’s achievements and build a more inclusive perspective of our shared history.”

“This is a great opportunity for students to talk about how the women in their lives – and throughout history – have impacted them. I look forward to reading these inspirational and interesting essays and learning how women have played an integral role in these students’ development,” said Exum.

“It is important for women and girls to learn about the many historic and present contributions that women have made to society,” Gilchrest said. “I know we will see the same vibrant and interesting entries this Women’s History Month, and I look forward to reading all the submissions.”

“We have a lot of bright and thoughtful young students in our community, and I am excited to see their approach answering these prompts. It will be a joy to learn more about influential and impactful women throughout history. Best of luck to all who submit an essay,” said Gibson.

“The contest is a great opportunity for students to showcase their research, knowledge, and written skills. I’m sure everyone will present an excellent essay, and I’m interested in seeing the different perspectives and understanding our students have of women in the past and present in our communities and throughout the country. It’s important for our young generation, as well as everyone else, to understand the magnitude of the positive impact women have made in our lives for generations. Best of luck to everyone participating,” said Sánchez.

Women’s History Month celebrates women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. It has been observed in the United States annually during the month of March since 1987.

All essays from must be submitted by Monday, March 25, 2024 to [email protected]. The top high school and middle school submissions will each receive a state citation.

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

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