MSU Extension4-H Environmental & Outdoor Education

Contest Details: An essential judging criterion is the scope of research you put forth in developing the ideas behind your essay—accounting for 40% of your score. The number of sources consulted, the authority of the sources and the variety of the sources are all evaluated. Personal interviews with beekeepers and others familiar with the subject are valued sources of information and should be documented. Note that “honey bee” is properly spelled as two words, even though many otherwise authoritative references spell it as one word.

Eligibility:  The 2020 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition is open to active 4-H Club members only.
Any 4-H Club member who placed first, second or third in previous years of the national competition is NOT eligible to win in 2020, however, state competition winners remain eligible to enter the national competition. Entered essays must encompass the designated topic only. There will be no exceptions.

One winner will be selected to represent Michigan. Send all entries to Laura Quist , quistla1@msu.edu by March 15, 2020.

Essay requirements: 

• Essay must be typewritten or computer-generated on single-sided pages and formatted following standard manuscript format using double-spaced type and 12pt font in legible font face.
• Essay 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 statements and interview references must be cited in a “sources” or “bibliography” list.
• 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 Michigan 4-H entry is: March 15, 2020; one winner will be selected to represent Michigan and will be forwarded to the National Competition.

Awards are made at the at National level. Three cash prizes will be awarded in the 2020 National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition. The author of the highest scoring essay will win first prize. The author of the second-highest scoring essay will win second prize. The author of the third-highest scoring essay will win third prize.

• First Prize: $750
• Second Prize: $500
• Third Prize: $250 

The three prize-winning essays will be published in ABF Quarterly, the magazine of the American Beekeeping Federation. All authors of essays submitted to the national competition will receive a relevant book on honey bees, beekeeping or honey.

Sponsored by: Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees