Historical writing and video contest for Mesa students

September 25, 2018 at 5:09 pm

The Mesa Historic Preservation Board is sponsoring a writing contest for all fourth-grade, fifth-grade and sixth-grade students and a video contest for sixth-grade through twelfth-grade students living in the City of Mesa. The contests are open to students regardless whether the school is public, private, charter or home. It will provide students the opportunity to learn more about Mesa's history and practice their writing or video skills as they create either a fictional story around a historic event in the City or an oral history of someone who is interviewed. The contest is open until Nov. 15.

This year, students may choose from one of three topics: the public life of Pioneer Park before 1970, the public life of downtown Mesa before 1970 and street life and Mesa's neon signs until 1970. A student may also do an oral interview with a senior citizen who grew up in Mesa and write or create a video about their memories of Mesa prior to 1970.

Each essay or video must reflect the student's own research, original thinking and writing or video skills. Entry forms and essays or videos can be sent to:

City of Mesa - Historic Preservation Office
Attn: Rebecca Gorton
City of Mesa
P.O. Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211-1466

Essays or videos must be postmarked on or before the contest deadline of Nov. 15, 2018. They will not be returned to the author as they become property of the Mesa Historic Preservation Board. They can also be sent by email to rebecca.gorton@mesaaz.gov.

Every contestant will receive a certificate of participation. There will be cash awards given to the first ($50), second ($30) and third ($20) place contest winners in each category. The top three essay writers and video creators will be recognized at a Mesa City Council meeting. For more information and to obtain an entry form, visit www.mesaaz.gov/residents/historic-preservation.

Public Information & Communications
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov