Mesa’s local students are being given a prime opportunity to dive into the city’s rich past, thanks to the Mesa Historic Preservation Board. According to the City of Mesa, the board sponsors a Historical Essay and Visual Arts Contest designed to encourage students from grades K-12 to explore and articulate the history of their surroundings.
Whether enrolled in public, private, charter, or home school, students from fourth through twelfth grade have the option to enter the historical essay competition, while the visual arts contest is open to all students from kindergarten through twelfth grade residing in Mesa. With the March 10 registration deadline looming, students must choose topics such as the significance of a photograph or piece of art at the Mesa Historical Museum, the story behind a Mesa street name, or the impact of a historical figure on the city’s history, as per the City of Mesa. Alternatively, they have the freedom to choose their topic related to historic preservation.
Submission guidelines require that each entry mirrors the student’s research and original thinking whether it be through writing or a visual presentation. The appropriate completed entry forms along with essays or videos should be emailed to [email protected]. Visual arts projects are to be delivered to the Historic Preservation Office or mailed to their attention at the provided address, as detailed by the City of Mesa.
Awards for the contests will be separated by category and age group, with cash prizes ranging from $25 to $100 for top finishers. Teachers can also receive awards based on their students’ achievements. Each participant will not walk away empty-handed as every contestant will receive a certificate of participation. The top three essayists and visual artists in each category will be recognized by the Mesa City Council during Historic Preservation Month in May, ensuring that these young historians and artists receive their share of the limelight for their efforts to connect with their hometown’s legacy, the City of Mesa noted.