In an effort to honor teachers and educators from across the 26th Senate District, State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) is launching his My Inspirational Teacher Essay Contest. The competition invites students from around the district to submit an essay on their most appreciated teacher ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6.
“Teachers serve as role models, mentors, counselors, and friends. They inspire our students and make a positive difference in their lives,” said Sen. McConchie. “There’s no doubt that our educators have had a challenging few years. This is just a simple way we can acknowledge their hard work and efforts on behalf of their students.”
Sen. McConchie is seeking students from grades 6-12 to write and submit an essay of 250-500 words about one teacher who has been an inspiration to them in a meaningful way. Essays must be submitted via email to thankateacher@sgop.ilga.gov by April 20. Submissions must include the student’s name, email address, grade, name of school, and phone number.
Winners will be selected from two categories: high school (9-12) and middle school (6-8). Winners from each division will have their essay posted on SenatorMcConchie.com and excerpts from their essay will be on display at a future date in the Illinois State Capitol. The grand prize winner from each category will be awarded a $500 Amazon gift card to be used for educational supplies. (Government funds are not used for prizes. Amazon gift cards are donated.)
Additionally, all participating students and their nominated teachers will be invited to Senator McConchie’s district office in Lake Zurich on Tuesday, May 3, during Teacher Appreciation Week for an awards ceremony and reception from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For questions or more information, please reach out to Hannah Seaver at hseaver@sgop.ilga.gov or 630-640-8402.
Students eligible to participate must attend one of the following schools and reside in the 26th Senate District: Adlai Stevenson High School, Algonquin Middle School, Barrington High School, Barrington South Middle School, Carmel Catholic High School, Cary Junior High School, Cary-Grove High School, Crystal Lake Central High School, Dundee Crown High School, Fox River Grove Middle School, Freemont Middle School, Hannah Beardsley Middle School, Highland Middle School, Lake Zurich North Middle School, Lake Zurich High School, Lake Zurich South Middle School, Libertyville High School, Matthews Middle School, Mundelein Cons High School, Prairie Grove Junior High School, Prairie Ridge High School, Wauconda Middle School , West Oak Middle School, Woodlawn Middle School.
