West Virginia 4-H is excited to announce the 2024 State 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest!
The topic for this 750-1000 word essay is Varietal Honeys.
It is open to any active 4-H member between the ages of 8 (as of September 30, 2023) and 18 (as of January 1, 2024).
You do not have to be a beekeeper to enter! Upon request, we can provide contact information for local beekeepers to interview. Please contact John Murray to coordinate this support.
Prizes will be awarded to top state-level entries in both Junior and Senior divisions, and the overall state-level winner will advance to the 2024 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition for a chance to win one of three cash prizes, including $750 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.
How To Enter
Submit your completed essay online by Monday, April 22 at 11:59 p.m. through the "2024 State 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest" event in ZSuite.
Submit in 4-H ZSuiteEssay Topic: Varietal Honeys
Honey bees are known and loved for the delicious honey they make, but that honey can come in many different colors, aromas and flavors. For this essay, a 4-H student should answer these questions: What makes a varietal honey? What are some unique varietals? How are some of the valuable varietals confirmed to be authentic (e.g., Manuka honey UMF and MGO)? What are some culturally or economically important varietals and why are they important?
Eligibility
The 2024 State 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest is open to all active West Virginia 4-H'ers. You do not need to be a beekeeper to enter an essay in this contest. Pre-submission support will be made available upon request. Please reach out to John Murray and your Local Extension Office if you would like assistance in finding reputable beekeeping resources or help locating a West Virginia beekeeper to interview for this essay. The best overall essay will be entered in the National Competition following final revision.
Competition Rules & Essay Requirements
- Essays must be typewritten or computer-generated on single-sided pages and formatted following standard manuscript format using double-spaced type and 12pt font in a legible font face.
- Essays must encompass the designated topic in 750 to 1,000 words. Word count does not include sources, works cited or the writer’s biographical statement.
- All factual statement and interview references must be cited in a “sources” or “bibliography.”
- Essays will be judged on (a) scope of research, 40%; (b) accuracy, 30%; (c) creativity, 10%; (d) conciseness, 10%; and (e) logical development of the topic, 10%.
- On a separate page, please include a brief biographical statement of the writer including mailing address, email address and phone number.
Deadline for State Submission
- Monday, April 22 at 11:59 p.m. through the "2024 State 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest" event in ZSuite.
Awards
Awards will be distributed to WV’s best essays in both junior and senior divisions. The state level overall winner will advance to the 2024 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition for a chance to win one of three cash prizes, including $750 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.