High School Essay Contest

2022 Theme: "Our Gardens: Their Beauty and Benefits Using Natives"

The GCG High School Essay contest galvanizes future gardeners and environmentalists. Teens get a chance to explore topics related to gardening, conservation, pollination and more depending on the theme. And, they can build their college resumes. Winners earn cash prizes. 

Adults are asked to get the ball rolling to help entrants understand the GCG theme and complete their applications. We're proud that most entries received were from students who had been mentored by a garden club member who understood the rules and regulations. Find a relative, neighbor or friend and let your club, district and state shine in the high school youth awards!

Eligibility

Contests are open to high school students attending 9th through 12th grades. A single member garden club, group of member clubs, councils, or districts must sponsor the contest. All entries become the property of The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc.

Scale of Points (total 100)

  1. Content (65)
    1. Knowledge of subject (10)
    2. Thesis Statement (10)
    3. Practicality of proposal (10)
    4. Originality (15)
    5. Organization, clarity of subject matter, and presentation (20)
  2. Composition (20)
    1. Grammar and punctuation (10)
    2. Vocabulary and spelling (10)
  3. Manuscript (15)
    1. Conformance to length (5)
    2. Cover sheet includes: Name, address, phone number, school attending, grade, list of activities, and sponsoring club (photo optional) (5)
    3. Entry is submitted via email in PDF document format (5)

Awards

A State Certificate and a cash award of $300 may be awarded annually to the winner of the State High School Essay Contest. Second and third place entries will receive $150 and $75 respectively. The winning essay will be printed in the fall issue of Garden Gateways.

Entries

Entries are due December 1. Contest entries plus state award entry form must be sent to the Georgia GC High School Speech & Essay Chairman listed below. Essays must be submitted via email in PDF format by December 1, 2021. 

Please refer to the Essay Contest Rules and Eligibility and print out for distribution to students. .

High School Essay Chairman:

Mary J. Ogden
51 Horton Road
Odum GA 31555
912-586-6125 Home
912-294-4144 Cell
mjogden@hotmail.com