Contest Goes Beyond Peanuts & Soil

By Annabeth Miller, ShowMe Times Editor

If quizzed, most people who know will say that George Washington Carver is most famous for his work with the peanut.

And while the native Missourian is best know for his ground-breaking work on the little peanut, did much more work – work that continues to have a signigicant impact in our lives decades after Carver’s death.

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler announced that there are just two weeks left for elementary students to participate in the George Washington Carver Essay Contest. The annual statewide contest is open to young people in grades 4, 5, and 6 and the deadline is April 30.

"George Washington Carver's contributions to agriculture are a great example of the importance of education and the power of positive thinking," said Hagler. "It's appropriate that we celebrate the legacy of this great Missourian and outstanding friend to agriculture during the height of planting season."

Students are encouraged to write a creative and inspirational essay related to this year's theme, "If George Washington Carver were my teacher..."

George Washington Carver's story of starting life in slavery and becoming a prominent businessman and scholar is not only compelling, but also positions him as an outstanding role model. His accomplishments, from advocating for soil conversation to identifying 300 uses for peanuts, continue to influence the agriculture industry.

The outstanding essay for each grade level will receive a $100 savings bond, and the top essay will receive a $200 savings bond.

Essays will be judged on creativity, originality, correctness of George Washington Carver facts and idea development, as well as grammar, word choice and organization.

Entries should be postmarked or hand-delivered to the Missouri Department of Agriculture in Jefferson City no later than April 30, 2011.