ELVERSON, PA — Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, in partnership with the Friends of Hopewell Furnace, is offering students in grades 6-12 a chance to showcase their creativity and win cash prizes in the annual Independence Day Writing Contest.
Open to students from public, private, and home schools within select Pennsylvania school districts, the contest encourages participants to reflect on this year’s theme, “What is your pursuit of happiness?” Submissions are now being accepted through April 20, 2025.
Essays are capped at 300 words for grades 6-8 and 500 words for grades 9-12. Entries can be emailed to friendsofhopewellfurn@gmail.com, or those without email access may hand-deliver or mail their essays addressed to the writing contest at Hopewell Furnace.
A panel of judges will evaluate the essays, with the top three entries from each grade group earning cash awards. First-place winners will receive $125, second place $100, and third place $75. Winners will also be invited to present their essays during Hopewell Furnace’s Independence Day public ceremony on July 4.
The contest is open to students from the following school districts: Antietam, Boyertown, Coatesville, Daniel Boone, Downingtown, Exeter, Governor Mifflin, Oley Valley, Owen J. Roberts, Phoenixville, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Reading, Spring-Ford, Twin Valley, and Wyomissing. More information is available on the park website at www.nps.gov/hofu.
With its focus on thoughtfulness and creativity, the Independence Day Writing Contest offers a unique opportunity for students to articulate their views while celebrating a tradition rooted in American history.
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