West Hartford Delegation Announces Essay Contest for West Hartford High Schoolers

March 1, 2022

On the first day of Women's History Month, State Representatives Jillian Gilchrest (D – West Hartford), Tammy Exum (D – West Hartford, Avon, Farmington), and Kate Farrar (D – West Hartford), members of West Hartford's first all women delegation to the state House of Representatives, are announcing an essay contest open to Hall High School and Conard High School students.

Students may choose one of the following two prompts:

  • Who is the most influential woman in your life today and why?
  • Who is your favorite woman in history and why?

Participating students must submit their essay by March 18, 2022. Students can submit their essays to Fiona.Brady@cga.ct.gov using the subject line "Essay Contest."

The top essay from each school will be announced by Reps. Gilchrest, Exum, and Farrar on March 31, 2022.

"It is so important for women and girls to see themselves represented in our history," said Rep. Gilchrest. "This Women's History Month, I am so excited to learn from the students at Hall & Conard High Schools about the most influential women in their lives and who their favorite women in history are." 

“Women’s history month allows us the opportunity to both recognize and celebrate the contributions of women throughout time, while amplifying the voices of those whose contributions are often overlooked, including women of color,” said Rep. Exum. “Hopefully, by participating in this essay contest, students will uncover stories of women they’d never heard of and be inspired.”

"Women's History Month offers the opportunity for us all to recognize and reflect on women's contributions and build a more inclusive perspective of our shared history," said Rep. Farrar. "We hope this essay contest challenges students to think critically about how the women in their lives or throughout history have impacted our personal and collective experience."  

Women's History Month begins on March 1, 2022 and celebrates women's contributions to history, culture, and society. It has been observed in the United States annually during the month of March since 1987.