JAMES CITY COUNTY — The James City County Historical Commission announced it is sponsoring an essay contest for Williamsburg-James City County high school students in grades 9-12.
Students who reside in James City County or in the City of Williamsburg and attend a public or private school, or are home-schooled, are eligible to participate.
According to the county, the essay should be 1,000-1,500 words (four to six pages, double-spaced) on one of the following topics:
- The Railroad — Summarize the history of the railroad in James City County, including when and where service was provided, the location of train depots and warehouses, and which rail providers offered service.
- African American Schools — Schools for African American students were created in James City County early in our history, and some continued well into the 20th century. Identify the earliest schools and tell who created them and their purpose.
- Battle of Greensprings — Summarize the Battle of Greensprings and its importance in the Revolutionary War. Comment on why the battle occurred where it did in relation to Richmond, Williamsburg, Yorktown and the Virginia peninsula.
The paper should include citations — footnotes or endnotes — plus a bibliography, the county said, adding footnotes, endnotes and the bibliography will not be included in the total word count. The student should use the Chicago Manual of Style for citations, it added.
The cover page, which also will not included in the total word count, should include the essay title, the student’s name, address, phone number and email address, according to the county. It should also include the name of the student’s school (or “home-schooled”), and the total word count, not including the title page, footnotes, endnotes and bibliography.
The first page of the essay should have the essay’s title at the top. The county cautions not to include the student’s name or other personal identifying information in the main body of the essay. Pages of the essay’s main body should be numbered.
The use of generative AI is not permitted, the county said.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, Dec. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Award winners will be notified by Thursday, Jan. 15. Winners will be invited to a public meeting of the James City County Board of Supervisors for an award presentation at a date to be determined, the county said.
Prices are as follows:
- First prize — $1,500
- Second prize — $500
- Third prize — $250
For more information or to submit an essay, visit jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=6490
