The annual Maine Native American History and Culture Essay Contest saw four top essayists being recognized for learning about the rich history of the Wabanaki peoples of Maine.
This year’s top contestant in the high school division is Carolyn F., a ninth grade, home-schooled student from Farmington, whose essay is entitled, European Influences on Wabanaki Clothing.
At the middle school level, top honors go to Riley Sullivan, a seventh grade student at Windsor Elementary School, for his entry entitled, The Ferocious War that Changed the Native Americans’ World. In a tie for second place, honors go to both Avery Henningsen and Emma Hutchinson, both of whom are in seventh grade at Windsor Elementary School. Avery’s essay focuses on Native American weapons and Emma’s essay is about survival methods employed by Native Americans.
The first place essayists in each category will tour the State House complex, including the Maine State Archives, where they will be able to view Maine’s original treaties with native peoples and original field books of early Maine land surveyors.
Maine law Title 20-A §4706 requires that students be taught Maine Native American history. This contest provides Maine students with a unique opportunity to share what they have learned in their studies. The essays can be viewed online at the Office of the Secretary of State’s website here. To learn more about this contest and other student programs offered by the Office of the Secretary of State, visit www.maine.gov/sos/kids/.