Art and Essay Contest for Third and Fourth Graders  

DIAMOND – George Washington Carver National Monument is hosting an art and essay contest for 3^rd and 4^th graders! Centered on the theme of education, the contest encourages artistic expression and trait-based essay writing. George Washington Carver’s quote supports this theme: “…education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom to our people…” Students are invited to create art and write essays.

Teachers may request an information packet and invite park rangers to visit classrooms to talk about the program and to present programs about George Washington Carver’s pursuit of education. Field trips are free of charge, for teachers who want their students to visit his birthplace and childhood home.

Entry deadline is February 16^th, 2024. The student art and essay show will begin March 4^th. An awards ceremony to celebrate the students will be held on April 6^th, 2024, followed by refreshments and photographs with Roary the Lion from Missouri Southern State University! First-place winners become park rangers for a day! The George Washington Carver National Monument 3^rd and 4^th Grade Art and Essay Contest is presented in partnership with Department of Teacher Education at Missouri Southern State University, Spiva Center of the Arts, and Carver Birthplace Association.

Teachers can access the information packet online at Art and Essay – Teachers (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) or https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/george-washington-carver-national-monument-3rd-4th-grade-art-and-essay-contest.htm. For further information, please call 417-325-4151 or email gwca_interpretation@nps.gov.