How do I enter the Beulah Shepard annual student essay contest?
How do I enter the Beulah Shepard annual student essay contest?
Answer
In honor of Black History Month, students in Pre-K trough 12th grade are encouraged to research and write an essay about African American leader in Acres Homes.
Students may choose any African American leader from Acres Homes to profile. Suggestions for Acres Homes Community leader are Beulah Shepard, Mayor Sylvester Tuner, Actress Loretta Devine, Jewel Houston, Ruby Mosely, Dorothy Hubbard, Elizabeth Francis, Pastor F.N. Williams, Pastor Edwin Davis, Pastor Floyd Flackes, The Acres Homes Transit Company, or a student may choose another African American Acres Homes legend that is not listed.
Entries will be judged on originality, grammar, and creativity. All entries will be kept upon submission by the Friends of the Beulah Shepard Legacy Committee. This event is part of the Houston Public Library's Black History Month activities. The contest and program are free and open to the public.
Submission Must Include
Students name and age, school and grade, phone number and email address.
Contest Deadline
All essays must be received by Saturday, February 7, 2026 by 12 pm.
Awards Program Event Location
Beulah Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, 8501 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77088
Pre-K thru 11th Grade Requirements
- Pre-K - 1st grade: Provide collage or drawing of the community leader and a two-sentence description of this leader. Child must make the collage/drawing and adult may write the sentence using the child's words.
- 2nd - 3rd grade: 20 - 100+ word paragraph with a collage or drawing of the community leader.
- 4th - 5th grade: 500+ word original essay on a community leader(s).
- 6th - 8th grade: 750+ word original essay on a community leader(s).
- 9th - 11th grade: 1500+ word original essay on a community leader(s).
12th Grade Requirements
Eligibility
- Open to 12th grade students only.
- Must submit an original 1,500+ word essay as part of the Friends of Beulah Shepard Legacy Student Essay Contest
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Must demonstrate involvement in volunteer or community service activities
- Must plan to attend a college, university, or accredited trade school in Fall 2025
- Proof of enrollment or class schedule from the chosen institution is required before scholarship funds are disbursed
- Scholarship funds will be disbursed to the Bursar of the institution
Awards
- The top three essays in the 12th-grade category will be recognized
- The top essay will receive the $500 Senior Scholarship
- Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the college, university, or trade school chosen by the winning student
Deliver your hard copy essay to Beulah Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library 8501 W. Montgomery Rd., Houston, TX 77088.
For more information please call 281-594-7910 or visit Friends of Beulah Shepard Legacy.
For more information please call 281-594-7910 or visit Friends of Beulah Shepard Legacy.