Superintendent's Essay Contest | Women's History Month

Dr. Manning Campbell invites our scholars to participate in her Superintendent's Essay Contest with a theme of Women's History Month. Criteria can be found below for various age groups. The due date for submissions is Monday, March 11th. Submissions should be emailed to Mariya Pushkantser, Director of Middle Level Education at mpushkantser@necsd.net.

Elementary School | Grades K-3 

Elementary School | Grades 4-5

Middle School | Grades 6-8

High School | Grades 9-12

Recognitions for those selected will be held at an upcoming Board of Education meeting. 

Elementary grades K-3

Write an essay in 250 words. 

Think about a woman who is important in your life. It could be someone from your family, a friend, a teacher, or even someone you know from history. Write one or more paragraphs explaining why this woman is important to you. What makes this woman special? How does this woman inspire you? Use words and drawings to share your thoughts and feelings about this important woman in your life. Remember to include details and examples to support your thinking.

Elementary grades 4-5

Write an essay in 400 words.

Reflect on a woman from history who has made a significant impact and discuss why this woman is important to you. This woman could be a leader, a scientist, an artist, or someone else who has inspired you. In your essay, explain who this woman is and what this woman is known for. Then, describe how this woman’s actions or achievements have inspired you personally. How does this woman embody qualities or values that you admire? Use specific examples and details to support your ideas. Additionally, consider how this woman's story can inspire others, including yourself, to make a difference in the world.

In your essay be sure to include: 

• An understanding of the significant impact this woman has made and why this woman is important
• Explain who this is and what this woman is known for
• How this woman’s achievements and actions have influenced you and why do you admire her
• How this woman inspires other
• An introduction, body, and a conclusion

Middle School (grades 6-8) 

Write an essay in 1,000 words, no less than 800.

Think about a woman from history who has inspired you or whom you admire. Write an essay explaining why this woman is important to you and how she has impacted your life. Consider the achievements, contributions, and the challenges this woman may have faced. Describe the qualities or values that you admire most about this woman and how this woman resonates with you. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and explain how this woman's story continues to inspire you and others. 

In your essay, be sure to include the following:  

• An explanation of  why this woman is important and how this woman has impacted your life
• Include any achievements, contributions, and/or challenges
• Provide either some qualities or values you most admire about this woman and why
• Use specific details and examples to support your thinking 
• Introduction, body, and conclusion

High School (grades 9-12)

Write an essay in 1,500 words, no less than 1,200.

Your Task:

Choose a woman from history who has profoundly impacted your life or inspired you in some way. This woman could be a trailblazer, a visionary, a leader, an activist, a scientist, an artist, or someone else whose achievements resonate with you. In your essay, provide an in-depth exploration of who this woman is and her significance in history. Analyze the challenges she faced and the obstacles she overcame to achieve her goals. Explain why she is important to you personally and how her story has influenced your perspective, values, and aspirations. Reflect on the lessons you have learned from her life and the ways in which she has inspired you to make a positive difference in your own life and in the world around you. Support your discussion with specific examples, evidence, and insights. Additionally, consider the broader impact of her legacy and how her contributions continue to shape society today.

Guidelines | Be sure to: 

• Clearly introduce the topic and provide details as to how this woman has impacted your life
• Identify if this woman is a trailblazer, visionary, leader, activist artist-scientist, or someone else whose achievements resonate with you
• Use strong and thorough evidence to support your essay
• Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner
• Maintain a formal style of writing
• Follow the conventions of standard written English

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!