Annual

ESSAY CONTEST

Open to all California Students in 4th through 8th grade.
Public school, private school, religious school, youth programs, youth clubs, library programs and home-schooled students welcome.
Cash prizes for best original essays. Enter the contest through local Parlors (Chapters) throughout California.  To read essay rules click here.  Submissions are due to Parlors (Chapters) by February 15th each year.

How to submit, click here

How to find a Parlor (Chapter), click here

Topic:
WHAT MAKES CALIFORNIA WONDERFUL?

Any subject relating to California may be used.  Any aspect of California history including history in the making.

Congratulations 2025 Winners…

1st Place


2nd Place

 3rd Place

NDGW ESSAY CONTEST RULES FOR STUDENTS:

    1. The Topic is subject to change; check with local Parlors (Chapters) or on this Website.
    2. Open to California students in 4th through 8th.  
    3. Must be original (written by the student).
    4. No poems accepted.
    5. Length between 250 and 500 words.
    6. Typed and double spaced.
    7. A rubric will be used to judge the essay. Click here to read the rubric.
    8. No identifying markings of any kind should be on the front of the essay.
    9. On the back of essay pages write: student’s name, student’s grade, student’s school, library or organization’s name and city, teacher/adult supervisor/librarian’s name.
    10. Essay submissions must be accompanied by the entry form supplied by the parlor.
    11. Essays must be postmarked or submitted digitally to a sponsoring Parlor (Chapter) by February 15 to be eligible.
    12. State winners’ parent/s or legal guardian must sign photo/video release form for student’s picture or video to be published. Parlor (Chapter) will supply forms.
    13. State winners’ essays and pictures will be published on the NDGW Website following the Grand Parlor Annual Meeting.

HOW TO SUBMIT

Read the rules above.  Student submissions must go through a Parlor (Chapter) near where the student lives.  If there are no Parlors (Chapters) in your area, feel free to contact the next closest Parlor (Chapter). To be eligible, a completed entry form must accompany the submission.

LIST OF PARLORS

Click HERE for a list of Parlors

RUBRIC

Click HERE for Rubric

Winners are announced at the Native Daughters of the Golden West Grand Parlor Annual Meeting each June.  Monetary prizes are awarded. Prizes can be presented by the Parlors (Chapters) or the State Wide Essay Committee.