March is Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society. It’s a period for reflection, celebration, and education, acknowledging the role of women in shaping our world.

CREATE celebrates the women who fought for suffrage, civil rights activists, as well as the influential policymakers and contemporary leaders making strides in many sectors. We seek to develop interactive learning activities that encourage students to delve deeper into women’s history. These activities include researching local women leaders in Muncie and essay competitions on the importance of gender equality in democratic societies. Such activities are designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and a deeper appreciation for the contributions of women to our civic life.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, CREATE is thrilled to announce a Mary Shelley Frankenstein essay contest, an initiative that bridges the remarkable legacy of women in literature and their enduring influence on society. Mary Shelley’s influenced by her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, whose ideas on equality and education, articulated in her seminal work “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” resonated through Shelley’s life and writings.

Calling all fifth-grade and Middle School students at Muncie Community Schools! Do you love reading stories like Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”? Are you passionate about exploring themes related to the author and her iconic book? Here’s your chance to showcase your writing skills.

Essay Prompt: Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” delves into themes of creation, responsibility, and society. Write a short story or reflection about individual responsibility towards the creations we bring into the world.

Submission Guidelines:

Essays should be 250-500 words in length.

Typed submissions are preferred, but handwritten essays will also be accepted.

Essays must be original and written by the student submitting them.

Submissions should include the student’s name, grade, and their teacher’s contact information (email or phone number).

Judging: All submissions will be judged by students in the Honors College at Ball State University. Winners will be selected based on creativity, clarity, and depth of analysis.

First Prize: The winning student will receive a gift card and teacher and student will be publicly recognized at the 2024 Civic Learning Symposium.

All essays must be submitted by April 20, 2024.

How to Submit: Please email your essay to create@bsu.edu or drop off a physical copy at Teachers College Room 805 (Attn: David J. Roof)

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to engage with literature, explore civic themes, and showcase your writing talents For inquiries or more information, contact David J. Roof at djroof@bsu.edu