BAY CITY – The Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) announce that the submission period for the 2025-2026 Texas History Essay Contest is now open.
This essay contest is open to all graduating high school seniors (including home-schooled students).
Awards in the following amounts will be presented to the winners at the annual San Jacinto Day obser- vance on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, traditionally held on the steps of the San Jacinto Monument: First Place - $4,000; Second Place - $3,000;
Third Place - $2,000.
The purpose of the Texas History Essay Contest is to encourage students to explore the pioneer spirit of Texans on the early-day frontier, their methods of accomplishing goals under very difficult circumstanc es, and the results of their efforts that we can see today. It is also hoped that the contest will inspire students to further pursue education, foster an interest in Texas history, and inspire them to contemplate their own roles in the future of Texas.
Finalists will be selected and those entries will be reviewed by a panel at Sam Houston State University.
During that final review, the entries will be scrutinized
for plagiarism and use of ar- tificial intelligence.
This is not a book review. The reviewers are looking for submissions that show thorough research, are historically accurate, adhere to the designated topic, are well-written, and are entertaining to read. For more detailed guidance and complete rules for the contest, go to the Community tab of the SRT website at www. srttexas.org.
The SRT designates a different topic for the essays each year. Traditionally, the topic has focused on a specific historical figure or event. However, this year, the Sons have laid out a fairly broad topic that affords the student a broader opportunity to explore Texas history. The topic this year is "Tejano Heroes in Revolt for Texas Independence.”
All entries must be post- marked by Jan. 31, 2026.
For more information, visit www.srttexas.org.
