Essay Contest

The purpose of the essay contest is to learn about the Holocaust and to apply lessons learned to current times.

Who Can Apply

Students in grades 7 through 12 may apply. Applicants must live in Pennsylvania in Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, or Union County. Students related to anyone affiliated with the essay contest cannot win an award.

Awards

First-place $500 checks will be awarded to one high school student and one middle school student.
Second-place $250 checks will be awarded to one high school student and one middle school student.
Third-place $150 checks will be awarded to one high school student and one middle school student.
Multiple honorable-mention $100 checks will be awarded.

Timing

The essays were due by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Winning essays will be announced by early May, 2026.

2025-2026 Essay Topic for Both High School and Middle School

“Those who burn books will in the end burn people.”

-- Heinrich Heine

Discuss this quote in the context of the Holocaust, demonstrating an understanding of what the Holocaust was. How, if at all, does this quote relate to you? Cite sources to support your argument.

Essay Submission

Essay submission is no longer available for the essay contest ending on March 14, 2026.

Evaluation Criteria

We will use the following criteria to evaluate essays:

Establishes and supports a clear argument with evidence
Summarizes historical facts accurately
Demonstrates an understanding of the historical context of the Holocaust
Demonstrates analysis and interpretation
Demonstrates that studying this topic helps explain the Holocaust and its relevance today
Answers directly all aspects of the question asked
Demonstrates balanced research that utilizes a range of scholarly sources. Sources will be evaluated in the following order: (1) Printed books (2) .edu and .org websites (3) .com websites
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Communicates established argument clearly and coherently
Provide an insightful essay title that reflects your argument
Follows all essay rules and requirements

Rules

Essays must be between 400 and 850 words of content, not including the title page and bibliography. You may optionally exclude the citations from the word count.
References should follow the MLA style guidelines or a citation style with which you are familiar.
Provide citations for all non-original material.
No use of AI.
Entries must be typed and double-spaced.
Include page numbers on each page.
Do not display your name, class, teacher, or any identifying information anywhere in your essay.
Only display the essay title and word count on the essay title page.
Submit your essay online by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, March 14, 2026.