Monumental Talks Foundation announces 2026 student essay contest: “Reflections on 9/11”

EVERETT – The Monumental Talks Foundation is excited to announce the 2026 Student Essay Contest, inviting all Snohomish County high school students (grades 9 –12) to participate in a meaningful reflection on the events of September 11, 2001. This contest, part of the annual Monumental Talks 9/11 Remembrance Event, encourages students to submit original essays, poems, music, or artistic creations under the theme “Reflections on 9/11.”

Contest Details:

Eligibility: Open to all Snohomish County high school students (public, private, independent, or home-schooled) in grades 9–12 as of September 1, 2026.
Submission Requirements: Entries must be original, created without external assistance or AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT). Essays should be 1,000 words or less, typewritten in Word format (Times New Roman, 14-point font, 1.5 line spacing).
Prizes: $1,500 for First Place, $1,000 for Second Place, and $500 for Third Place.
Submission Period: June 1, 2026, to September 5, 2026, by 9:11 PM.
Announcement: Winners will be revealed at the 9/11 Remembrance Event on September 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Everett Civic Auditorium. Contest participants and their families will receive complimentary tickets.

How to Submit: Visit www.hartleymansion.com for full details and submission instructions. For inquiries, contact Contest Coordinator Dan Matthews at 425-422-3105.

The Monumental Talks initiative, supported by local businesses, corporations, media, and individuals, fosters community reflection on significant historical events. All submissions will become the property of The Monumental Talks Foundation for potential publication or display.

For more information, including last year’s event highlights, visit www.hartleymansion.com/monumental-talks

About The Monumental Talks Foundation: A non-profit dedicated to promoting civic engagement and historical reflection through community events and educational initiatives.