Making Texas History Matter: Using The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Contests in the Classroom

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Essay and Art Contests are a natural fit in my Texas History classroom because they align closely with what students are already learning. Rather than treating them as an extra project, I use these contests as meaningful extensions of existing units and assignments. Because they are specifically available for fourth and seventh grade, they pair especially well with state history standards for those levels.

Essay and Art Contests

The DRT contests offer both writing and art options, making them accessible to a wide range of learners. The annual art contest uses the same prompt each year and focuses on Texas heritage and history. It invites students to explore historical sites, events, and individuals from the period between 1820 and 1850. Because of its consistency, I typically assign the art contest toward the beginning of the school year. It works well as an introduction to early Texas history and helps students begin building research and visual storytelling skills early on.

I usually introduce the essay contest later in the year, often around January, once students have had more experience working with primary and secondary sources along with developing structured historical writing. I intentionally engaged students in both contests so that students can lean into their individual strengths. Strong writers have an opportunity to showcase their skills through essays, while students who excel in art have an equally meaningful way to demonstrate historical understanding. Spacing the contests out this way allows students to grow over time while staying aligned with the pacing of the Texas History curriculum.

Why Local History Connections Matter

One of the strongest aspects of DRT contests is their emphasis on Texas and local history. Students are more engaged when they recognize places, names, or stories connected to their own communities. These contests also give students the opportunity to explore topics they might not encounter in traditional assignments, including lesser known events, individuals, and historical sites. Through that process, students begin to see that Texas history is not abstract or distant, but something that happened where they live and continues to shape their world today.

How I Introduce the Contest to Students

When I introduce a DRT contest, I keep it simple and intentional. I explain that the assignment is part of a real history contest judged by people outside the classroom and that they have the opportunity to win real money. That detail alone usually gets their attention.

I walk students through the prompt and discuss what a strong entry looks like, often sharing examples or describing past submissions. I am very clear that this is a graded assignment, which helps hesitant students feel more confident and motivated to participate. Once students understand why their work matters and that their audience extends beyond me, effort levels noticeably increase.

I also talk openly about recognition. I explain that students can earn certificates, awards, or public recognition if they place, and that their work could be shared to the public in museums. Seeing peers their age be successful is always very motivating for them. In the past, I have had students place first and second at the district level with their artwork being showcased at the DRT Museum. In 2025, two of my students earned second and third place and had their work recognized on the Daughters of the Republic of Texas website. Students who participated also received certificates recognizing their work, and occasionally, had their achievements highlighted by local news outlets. Here is another example.

That recognition had an immediate impact on student buy-in. The following year, students approached the contest with more confidence, asked stronger questions, and were more willing to revise their work because they felt that they had a good chance to be successful.

While the real value of these contests is in the learning, confidence, and recognition that students earn, a little bit of prize money never hurts either. That extra incentive often brings a few more students on board and adds just enough excitement to keep everyone motivated. In the end, if the students are learning history, building skills, and feeling proud of their work, it is a win all around.