Georgetown County announces High School Essay Contest for 250th Anniversary
May 8, 2026
As part of the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Georgetown County is inviting local high school students to participate in a historic essay contest. This initiative offers students a unique opportunity to have their voices preserved for future generations inside a new 50-year time capsule.
The Challenge: A Message to 2076
Students are asked to reflect on the future of their community. The essay prompt asks: “What do you hope has changed — or stayed the same — by 2076?”
The winning entries will be sealed in a new time capsule to be opened on July 4, 2076, documenting the hopes and perspectives of today’s youth for the residents of the next century.
The contest features significant cash prizes for the top writers: First prize will receive $500, and the runners-up will also receive cash prizes for their efforts. In addition to the cash awards, the top five essays will be selected for inclusion in the time capsule by a community judging panel. The first-place winner will also be invited to read their work publicly during a special ceremony at the Georgetown Library Auditorium on July 20, 2026.
The contest is open to all current Georgetown County high school students. Submissions should be between 500 and 800 words in length, and the deadline for all entries is May 15, 2026.
How to Enter
Students interested in participating or seeking more information regarding the contest rules should contact Jackie Broach, Public Information Officer, via email at [email protected].
This contest is held in conjunction with the opening of the 1976 Bicentennial time capsule and the sealing of the 2026 capsule at the historic Georgetown County Courthouse.
