In recognition of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Utah is inviting high school students from across the state to engage with its rich and varied past through the new Utah history contest. The initiative, led by The Park Record and The Salt Lake Tribune, aims to highlight stories that reflect the complexities of Utah’s histories and how they may shape the state’s future.

An Invitation to Utah’s Youth

The Utah history contest is designed to encourage Utah teens to examine their personal, familial, and community connections to the state’s history. Organizers are soliciting a range of creative submissions, including personal essays, photographs, and short videos. Each entry is expected to demonstrate thoughtful history storytelling, with special attention to diverse experiences such as those of tribal nations, LDS pioneers, immigrant communities, and more.

Guidelines for Creative Submissions

The contest is open to students currently attending any Utah high school. Each participant may enter up to one piece in each of the three categories: essays, photos, or videos. Submission guidelines include essays that do not exceed 650 words, photo collections of up to 10 images each with captions, and videos capped at three minutes in length. Submissions must be original, respectful, and appropriate—reflecting the intention for authentic and meaningful content without the use of generative AI.

Storytelling Across Cultures and Generations

Contest organizers, recognizing the importance of historical storytelling, hope that students will draw inspiration from Utah’s wide cross-section of backgrounds. The editorial team is particularly interested in essays and projects that highlight stories from Utah tribal nations, the legacy of LDS pioneers history, and the ongoing influence of Utah immigrant stories. Themes may explore family lineage, culture, migration, protest movements, or the feeling of belonging within Utah communities.

Mentorship and Publication Opportunities

Selected finalists will receive guidance through a youth media mentoring program. Tribune journalists, as well as partners such as Spy Hop—a Salt Lake City-based nonprofit focused on digital media education—will work with students to refine their projects. Winning entries from the Utah teens contest will be featured on digital platforms of both The Salt Lake Tribune and The Park Record, amplifying student voices statewide. Each selected student will also earn a $100 prize for their work.

Impact on Community and Future Generations

This initiative comes as Utah residents consider their place within America’s ongoing story. By spotlighting personal essays Utah students create, the contest offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to share their perspectives on what it means to be part of Utah’s—and by extension, America’s—future. These creative submissions not only help preserve the memory of the state’s historical milestones, but also encourage open dialogue between generations about shared heritage.

How to Participate

Entries for the Utah history contest must be submitted online no later than June 30. Organizers urge students to submit original content only, ensuring every voice reflects honest engagement with Utah’s past. More information, including full contest rules and submission links, is available through Utah high schools and the websites of the sponsoring news outlets. All local teens are encouraged to take part and add their voices to the ongoing conversation about the state’s legacy.

With the deadline approaching, Utah’s youth are poised to make lasting contributions to the state’s collective memory, further enriching understanding of both regional identity and national history through their unique and creative visions.