This year, we will be awarding:

Two high school juniors with an all-expense-paid trip to Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.! Explore our nation's capital, visit historic landmarks, learn about American government, and connect with students from across the country. It's an opportunity to experience history beyond the classroom and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Three high school sophomores with an all-expense-paid trip to Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience (C.Y.C.L.E.) in Jefferson City! Meet other Missouri students, participate in fun activities, build leadership skills, and discover how you can make a difference in your community.

Whether you're interested in history, leadership, or simply trying something new, this is an opportunity worth taking! All it takes is a little creativity, your perspective, and a 250–500-word essay. You never know where a few paragraphs could take you!

Essay Topics

Choose ONE of the following topics to write about:

• If you could spend one day with any American from history, who would you choose and what would you ask?
• If you were given $100,000 to make your community a better place, how would you spend it?
• What is something adults don't understand about being a teenager today?

Who Can Enter?

• The contest is open to ALL high school sophomores and juniors attending a high school located within Farmers’ Electric Cooperative's service territory.
• Eligible counties include Caldwell, Carroll, Chariton, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Harrison, Livingston, Linn, and Ray.
• Students DO NOT have to be members of Farmers’ Electric Cooperative to enter!
• Children of Cooperative employees and directors are not eligible.

Essay Requirements

• Essays must be typed and 250–500 words in length.
• Choose ONE of the topics listed on the official entry form.
• Use ONLY the main subject as the title of your essay.
• Please DO NOT include your name anywhere on the essay.
• All essays must be submitted with a completed entry form.

Mail or drop off entries to:

Farmers' Electric Cooperative
Attn: Essay Contest
201 W Business 36
Chillicothe, MO 64601

Or email entries to: keara@fec-co.com

Contest Deadline: January 15, 2027

All high school sophomore and junior English, History, and Agriculture instructors throughout our service territory will receive contest information and entry forms in November.

Have questions? Contact Keara at 660-646-4281, extension 116.

Don't miss your chance to turn a simple essay into an unforgettable experience!

We can't wait to see what you come up with!