State Senator Craig Wilcox | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Craig Wilcox | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) has announced the launch of the first annual My Inspirational Teacher Essay Contest for Middle School/Junior High School students in the 32nd Senate District. The initiative aims to celebrate teachers during Illinois’ Teacher Appreciation Week and give students an opportunity to express gratitude towards their most inspirational educators.
According to Wilcox, "Teachers make a profound difference in so many lives, and I want to provide students with an opportunity to remind them of all the ways their favorite teacher inspires and motivates them." The senator shared his personal experience, highlighting the impact his own 4th grade teacher, Mr. Hunt, had on him and his classmates by fostering a desire to excel beyond the standard curriculum.
Students participating in the contest are required to write a 250-500-word essay about the teacher who has been the most inspirational to them. Entries should focus on specific actions taken by the teacher that had a positive impact and how those actions influenced the student's academic journey. The essays will be evaluated by a panel of education leaders based on persuasiveness, correct spelling and grammar, and adherence to contest guidelines.
In Wilcox's words, "Teachers serve as a role model that might not otherwise be available in some young people’s daily lives. They aren’t just educators; they also often have to wear the hat of a mentor, a counselor, or a friend." The senator expressed his excitement to read the entries for the inaugural essay contest.
The contest is open to Middle School/Junior High School students in the 32nd Senate District, with entries due by April 30, 2024. Winners will be notified by email, and the grand prize-winning essay will be featured on Senator Wilcox’s website. Additionally, excerpts from all winning essays will be displayed in the State Capitol rotunda in Springfield.
For more information about the essay contest, interested individuals can reach out to Abby at aoliver@sgop.ilga.gov or 248-930-8294.
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