Projects of the Ferdinand Historical Society

Essay Contest: Discover Your Roots; Enrich Your Future

In a spirit of engaging the youth to appreciate their local heritage, this unique contest challenges students to open a dialogue with their grandparents and parents — in response to the question, "What do your grandparents want you to remember from the past?" After the interview(s), in a 750-2,500 word essay, students share memories, events, experiences, biographies, architectural landmarks, cultural stories, traditions, recipes, lessons learned, and the daily life of people who have lived in Ferdinand, Birdseye, Schnellville, St. Anthony, Bretzville, Kyana, Mentor, St. Marks, and the surrounding area. Winners read their essays to FHS and family members (including grandparents) at the awards reception in the spring, and essays are often published in The Ferdinand News.

• This Annual History Essay Contest is open to the Forest Park Jr.-Sr. High School, Grades 7-12
• First year: 2000
• Over 100 entries annually; over 900 entries so far
• Contest opens in autumn, and FHS announces winners in the spring
• For grades 10, 11, and 12 participants, first place is $100; second place is $75; third place is $50; one honorable mention receives $25. 
• For grades 7, 8 and 9 participants there are two prizes; first place $75 and second place receives $50.

2008 Winners

• 1st Place: Nicole Kerstiens, "Risky Business in the Creek: The Turtle Hunting Experience"
• 2nd Place: Bethany Adams, "The Word of God: Preaching with My Papaw"
• 3rd Place: Kelsey Harmon, "A Tasteful Tale: A Life Story of My Grandma"
• First Honorable Mention: Kyle Gutgsell, "Meant to Be: The Life Story of Betty (Haas) Welp"
• Second Honorable Mention: Karla Knust, "Schoolhouse Rock: Rock and Asphalt Replace an Old Schoolhouse"
• Third Honorable Mention: Kelsey Lange, "Back Then"

2007 Winners

• 1st Place: Sara Uebelhor, “Man of Steel: Biography of Albert Lubbers”\
• 2nd Place: Kelsey Vonderheide, “Our Heritage, Our Roots: Understanding the Past to Prepare for the Future”
• 3rd Place: Ali Wylam, “Recollection of the Past: A Look Back at the Life of Eloise Pfister”
• 4th Place – Honorable Mention: Breanne Fleck, “Life’s Transformations, a Journey Through my Grandmother’s Life”
• 5th Place – Honorable Mention: Sarah Stetter, “Part of a Pair: A Biography of my Grandmother Marie Dall”
• 6th Place – Honorable Mention: Jenna Brinkman, “The Problem Solver, the Life of Cletus Leo Brinkman”

"People will not look forward to posterity if they never look backwards to their ancestors."

—Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

English Statesman/Philosopher