The contest is open to all 9th, 10th and 11th grade students, residing or attending school in Ocean County.

To complete your essay, please answer the following prompt:
"As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of our county, what does the future of our county hold, and ow can we preserve what matters most while embracing change?"

Essay Requirements: Your essay should be between 200 and 250 words. It should be typed, double spaced, using a standard 12 point font (e.g., Times New Roman); submitted in a digital formal (Word document or PDF) with a cover page that includes the student's name, grade, applicable teacher (Social Studies/History), and school on a cover page that precedes the essay.

Submissions are due no later than Nov. 1, 2025 by email only. Please see general rules and regulations for process on how/where to submit.

Prizes are as follows:

1st place: $175 Book Store Gift Card
2nd place: $100 Book Store Gift Card
3rd place: $75 Book Store Gift Card

View General Rules and Regulations