Los Altos Calls Upon Youth Writers for Annual Essay Contest
Los Altos, Calif. — February 16, 2021 — The Los Altos History Museum and Los Altos Historical Commission join forces for the 37th Annual Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest, continuing Historical Commissioner Margaret Thompson's mission to encourage children to write.
This year, the Museum’s Education Committee chose the essay theme “Rise Up: Inspiring Women!,” in commemoration of 100 years of Women’s Suffrage, giving students the opportunity to reflect on the journey of an inspiring woman. Students are to select a woman they admire- either from history or living today- and write an essay on the obstacles this woman encountered to reach her goals.
“This past year, the City of Los Altos hosted its own series of celebratory events in honor of the Women’s Suffrage centennial. It was truly inspiring to reflect on the determination and persistence that led to women getting the right to vote,” said Mayor Neysa Fligor. “Now our students have the chance to add their voices and share their perspective on this celebration by highlighting the women they admire.”
Children from grades three through six from all public and private schools who live in the City of Los Altos and the Los Altos School District boundaries are invited to participate. Annually hundreds of essays are judged by community members and winners at each grade level are awarded a monetary prize. In addition to individual prizes, the school with the most winners will be awarded a trophy.
In 2020, the Museum’s Education Committee and the Los Altos Historical Commission received a total of 224 essays. Mayor Neysa Fligor hopes more children will continue to participate, adding that she is eager to read about the women that inspire Los Altos youth.
For information on entering the contest, please contact your elementary school. Home-schooled children may contact the Los Altos School District. To dive deeper into the essay prompt and other contest documents, visit losaltoshistory.org/EssayContest.
