| HOUSTON – Houston Public Library (HPL), together with the Friends of the Beulah Shepard Legacy Committee, invites Pre-K through 12th grade students across the Acres Homes neighborhood and the greater Houston area to take part in the Beulah Shepard Annual Student Essay Contest, a Black History Month tradition that celebrates local heroes and elevates young storytellers. This beloved program honors the legacy of Beulah Shepard, an educator whose impact continues to shape the community. Students from Pre‑K through 12th grade are encouraged to explore the lives of African American leaders who helped build Acres Homes into the vibrant neighborhood it is today.
Students may choose from well‑known figures such as Loretta Devine, Ruby Mosley, or Pastor F.N. Williams, or spotlight another community legend whose story deserves to be told. Entries will be judged on originality, grammar, and creativity, and all submissions will be preserved by the Legacy Committee as part of their ongoing commitment to honoring local history.
“Houston Public Library is a part of the powerful history of the Acres Homes neighborhood, and our students are a vital part of its future,” said Sandy Gaw, Library Director.
Winners will be celebrated during a community awards ceremony at the Beulah Shepard–Acres Homes Neighborhood Library taking place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Grade level requirements range from collages for early learners to full‑length essays for upper grades, with awards for the top three entries in each category.
Graduating seniors may also compete for a $500 Senior Scholarship, awarded to the top 12th grade essay. Eligible students must submit a 1,500+ word essay, hold a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate community service, and plan to attend a college, university, or accredited trade school in Fall 2026.
How to Enter:
By Email: friendsofbeulahshepardlegacy@gmail.com
In Person: Hard copies can be submitted at the Beulah Shepard–Acres Homes Neighborhood Library, 8501 West Montgomery Rd. Houston, TX 77088
For more information, please contact the Friends of Beulah Shepard organization at 281‑594‑7910 or visit the Essay Contest page on HPL’s website.
Deadline: Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Noon Central time. |
