The George Washington Legacy Foundation has announced an essay contest for local junior high school students. The winner will receive $500. Deadline is Jan. 31.
  

The George Washington Legacy Foundation has announced an essay competition for 7th and 8th grade students focusing on the legacy of George Washington and his impact on Alexandria.

“We aim to inspire students to better understand Washington’s multifaceted relationship with Alexandria as a landowner, community leader, and pivotal political figure,” said Marion Moon, the Foundation’s president. “This is a unique chance for budding historians in our community to showcase their knowledge, analysis, and writing skills.”

The contest is open to students enrolled in any Alexandria Junior High School. Public and private school students are included. Essays should be original works of 700-1,000 words on “George Washington’s Involvement with Alexandria, Virginia.” The prize for the winning essay is $500.

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges. Entries should be emailed to shawn.eyer@washingtonlegacyfoundation.org. Deadline is Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m.

The winner will be honored at a community breakfast on Feb. 19 during the city’s annual Washington’s Birthday celebration. In addition to $500, they will have their work published online by the George Washington Legacy Foundation to educate the wider community about Alexandria’s ties to America’s first President.

The essay competition is sponsored by Alexandria’s Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #871.

Full contest guidelines, eligibility terms, submission instructions and foundation background are available at https://washingtonlegacyfoundation.org. Questions can be directed to the Foundation’s spokesman, Shawn Eyer at shawn.eyer@washingtonlegacyfoundation.org or 202-425-1025.