Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. is pleased to announce the winners and finalists of the 2025 Save Texas History Essay Contest, sponsored by the Texas General Land Office's Save Texas History Program. More than 700 fourth and seventh-grade students from across the state wrote about any historical person, event, place, group, or cultural tradition, however big or small, that helped shape Texas.
"As a proud ninth generation Texan, I am honored to be a steward of Texas' rich history, which is knit together by the stories of the men and women who settled, fought for, and cultivated our beautiful state, and preserved through the Texas General Land Office since 1836," said Commissioner Buckingham. "Each year, I am inspired by Texas students' care and dedication to helping preserve our stories through their incredible essays. This year, the GLO's Save Texas History Program received a record-breaking 700-plus essays from Texas students! I congratulate the grand prize winners and finalists and thank every student who shared a special piece of our history that helped make Texas the wonderful place it is today."
2025 Save Texas History Essay Contest Grand Prize Winners: Jack Clemons, 4th Grade, and Karysn Mack, 7th Grade
The fourth-grade grand prize winner is Jack Clemons, son of Amber and Chris Clemons. Jack is in Stacy Farris’ class at 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. As Jack notes, as far back as the 1830s, “Texas had an abundance of land and cattle, and longhorns and ranches had become an important part of the Texas economy.”
The seventh-grade grand prize winner is Karsyn Mack, son of Kayla Hearren and Connor Mack. Karysn is in Kristina Miller’s class at Livingston Junior High in Livingston. 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.”
The grand prize winners will each 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.
Click the button below to read the grand prize winners' essays:
Save Texas History Essay Contest
Fourth Grade Finalists:
Muhammad Anwar
Elkhart Intermediate
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Fouzia and Mohammad Anwar, Elkhart, TX
Teacher: Delaina Denton
Essay Topic: Juana Navarro Alsbury
Karen Gregory
Vernagene Mott Elementary
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Sarah and Christopher Gregory, Round Rock, TX
Teacher: Desiree Clark
Essay Topic: Treaty Oak
Hudson Hassay
Ruth Barron Elementary
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Erika and Jason Hassay, Austin, TX
Teacher: Omar Medina
Essay Topic: Juan Nepomuceno Seguín
Emma Rose Rincones
Rembrandt Elementary
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Samantha Sousa and Ruben Rincones, McAllen, TX
Teacher: Melissa Martinez
Essay Topic: Mission Citrus Festival and Parade
Bishop Rollins Newton Elementary
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Chasity Rollins, Newton, TX
Teacher: Jessica Morrison
Essay Topic: Piney Woods of East Texas
Seventh Grade Finalists:
Savannah Gaither Paris Junior High
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Kaylnn and Jerry Gaither, Paris, TX
Teacher: Colton Ingram
Essay Topic: Texas in World War II
Shreyashi Mondal
Daniel L. Jones Middle School
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Supreety Mandal and Subhashish Mondal, McKinney, TX Teacher: Jessical McDowell
Essay Topic: German Immigration and Cultural Impact
Matthew Nguyen
Arlington Classics Academy
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Vi and Thang Nguyen, Grand Prairie, TX
Teacher: Dana Parkhurst
Essay Topic: Battle of San Jacinto
Ashley Pragay
Founders Classical Academy of Flower Mound
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Otilia and Attila Pragay, Flower Mound TX
Teacher: Janie Creek
Essay Topic: The 1968 World’s Fair in San Antonio
Lily Grace Tewes
Murchison Middle School
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Julie Tewes, Austin, TX
Teacher: John Sansoucy
Essay Topic: Spanish Missions and Culture in Texas
All public, private, and home-schooled students of appropriate age for the fourth or seventh grade were eligible to participate. Essays for the annual contest were judged on how their topic was developed, cohesiveness of thought, organization, and use of sources. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation were also taken into account.
The Texas General Land Office Save Texas History™ program is a statewide initiative to rally public support and private funding for the preservation and promotion of more than 35 million historic maps and documents. With the twin goals of preservation and education, the Save Texas History program seeks to conserve these documents for future generations and educate Texans about the rich heritage found in these vital records.
You can follow Save Texas History on Facebook and X. Follow the Texas General Land Office on Facebook, X, and YouTube.
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.