(AUSTIN, Texas) — Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is proud to announce the kick-off of the 2015 Texas Travels Essay Contest for 4^th and 7^th grade students.  The Texas Travels Essay Contest encourages students to read and write about cities, towns, and distinct geographic locales that are significant to the development of this state, as well as the brave individuals who pioneered vast and uncharted areas of Texas. 

“As a former history teacher, it’s especially rewarding to have the opportunity to kick off the 2015 Texas Travels Essay Contest on behalf of the Save Texas History program at the General Land Office,” said Bush. “Students learning about Texas history are introduced to the heroes who founded our great state. I look forward to reading the essays and congratulating the winners.” 

All public, private and home-schooled students of appropriate age for fourth and seventh grades may participate. Submissions will be judged based on originality, creativity, historical accuracy, organization, proper use of grammar, spelling, neatness and presentation. Entries must be postmarked by February 13, 2015 and received by February 27, 2015. 

One grand prize award winner per grade level will receive round trip airline tickets for four to San Antonio from any Southwest Airlines destination in Texas, hotel accommodations for two nights and complimentary tickets to attractions provided by the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Alamo. Ten finalists per grade level will win Save Texas History backpacks, certificates of appreciation and a historic map reproduction from the Land Office map collection. 

For additional details, please visit http://www.glo.texas.gov/save-texas-history/essay-contest.html. Applicants with questions may contact Buck Cole, the K-12 Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Texas General Land Office’s Archive and Records Office at (512) 936-9644 or buck.cole@glo.texas.gov. 

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