| 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: 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. RELATED: Commissioner Buckingham Announces Pre-Sale of ‘Texas Takes Shape,’ a Historical Map Book of Texas History # # # 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. Please DO NOT REPLY to this message. It comes from an un-monitored mailbox. If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please contact the Texas General Land Office communications department at media@glo.texas.gov. | 
