East Texas 7th-Grader Named Grand Prize Winner of Statewide Essay Contest

An East Texas junior high student has been recognized as the grand prize winner of the 2025 Save Texas History Essay Contest. The Texas General Land Office's Save Texas History Program sponsors the competition.

The contest is open to fourth and seventh-grade students in Texas. Karsyn Mack, who attends Kristina Miller's class at Livingston Junior High, was named the seventh-grade grand prize winner.

Highlighting Texas Barbeque to Win the Contest

His essay, The Evolution of Texas Barbeque, showcases the cultural history of Texas’ famous cuisine, including the many influences on its development over the centuries. Karsyn rightfully notes that, “Texas barbeque is more than just food: It’s an experience.”

More than 700 fourth and seventh-grade students from across the state wrote about any historical person, event, place, group, or cultural tradition that helped shape Texas.

4th Grade Contest Winner

The fourth-grade grand prize winner is Jack Clemons. He attends Robinson Intermediate School in Robinson.

His essay, “Moo-ving” Cattle to the North: The History of Cattle Drives, spotlights the important role nineteenth-century cattle trails played in the development of our state.

What the Winners and Finalists Receive

Each grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card courtesy of Christopher Cantu of Kingsview Partners, and a two-night free stay in Austin courtesy of Hampton Inn and Suites.

The ten finalists, five from each grade, will each receive a $100 gift card courtesy of the Moses Austin Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and other donors.

All winners and finalists will receive Save Texas History backpacks, a letter of appreciation signed by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., and other items from the Texas General Land Office, Sons of the Republic of Texas, and Texas State Historical Association. Teachers of winning students will also receive gift cards and complimentary items.

READ MORE: Livingston Man Reels In Gigantic 13-Pound Bass

Finalists from East Texas Schools

Two students from East Texas schools were named finalists in the 4th-grade section.

Muhammad Anwar attends Elkhart Intermediate. His mentor teacher is Delaina Denton. Anwar's essay topic was Juana Navarro Alsbury

Bishop Rollins goes to school at Newton Elementary. His mentor teacher is Jessica Morrison. Rollins' essay topic was Piney Woods of East Texas.