The Gus Kuenster Award

Students, families, Grant County Society members, and county residents of Grant County gathered together to listen to the 2009 Gus Kuenster Essay Contest award winners.

Each student who entered a essay not only receives a certificate of participation they become a part of the history of Grant County for prospective researchers of history in this area. Their certificate assures them of their place in place in history by stating, “Your contribution is now an important addition to our research materials. It will be valued by local historians today and in years to come as a slice of Grant County life seen thru the eyes of its young people.” In addition to receiving a certificate of participation each award winning essay received a monetary honor.

The reading of the essays written by Middle School students has become an annual event sponsored by the Grant County History Society to encourage students to explore the fascinating history and the people who have settled in Grant County.

Information regarding the Gus Kuenster Essay Contest is sent to all school districts in the fall of each school year to classroom teachers to encourage their students to dig into the intriguing history of Grant County. In addition to information regarding the essay contest schools are given information the Cunningham Museum and the Mitchell Rountree Stone Cottage museums where students can further discover the rich history of Grant County and how it connects to history of our country and the world.

For more information regarding the Gus Kuenster Essay Contest or the Grant County Historical Society, please call 608-348-9229.