Young writers have chance to become part of local history
WILLIAM COVERT
The Daytona Beach News-Journal
CORRESPONDENT
The West Volusia Historical Society is offering young writers a chance to become part of DeLand’s history.
The society is sponsoring a Junior Historian Essay and Art Contest for students in third grade through high school. The winners in each age category will be named Junior Historians of the Year, and their winning work will be placed in a time capsule in the new DeLand City Hall.
Barbara Storz, president of the West Volusia Historical Society, said the group was “excited to start a program to encourage the local youth to know more about their history and to be involved in their community. This is our 33rd year and we are looking forward to having Junior Historians who will become our future and to carry on our work.”
The contest is open to all full-time West Volusia students and will be judged in three categories: third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade and ninth through 12th grade. Students must research and write an essay and draw a coordinating picture on one of three topics: “The Most Historic Place in My City,” “Life in West Volusia County Today” or “Life in West Volusia County 100 Years Into the Future.” Essays should be no longer than 350 words and may be typed or handwritten. Both the essay and the art should each be on 81/2-inch paper in portrait (vertical) format.
Rita Gillis, assistant executive director of the Henry A. DeLand House Museum, said she hopes the essays will help local children learn about the historical buildings in West Volusia. “Local history is not taught in schools usually,” she said, “and we want our children to learn about their rich heritage. Also, the winning essay will be placed in a time capsule, in essence making it part of DeLand’s future history.”
The first-place essayists will win a $100 savings bond and be named WVHS Junior Historian of the Year. Also, the school of each first-place winner will receive historic videos and books for their school libraries.
Second place in each category will earn a $50 savings bond and third place wins a $25 savings bond.
How To Enter: Deadline for entry is Dec. 31. Rules and entry forms are available at the DeLand House Museum, 137 W. Michigan Ave. For more information, call (386) 740-6813 or e-mail delandhouse@msn.com.