Each February the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) commemorates Georgia Day as part of the Georgia History Festival, marking the anniversary of the founding of Georgia in 1733. Georgia Day gives us a unique opportunity to consider what Georgia and Georgia history means to each of us. Georgia Day events, activities, and resources offer students across the state a chance to learn about Georgia’s past and express what they have learned in creative ways. Students who participate in the individual Statewide Student Art Contest or the Classroom Contest by interpreting the annual Georgia Day theme gain unique and engaging learning experiences.
The 2023-2024 Georgia History Festival theme is “Governing Georgia Across Three Centuries.”
Statewide Student Art Contest
Through the Statewide Student Art Contest, individual participants considered the topic of “A Legacy of Leadership: Georgia’s Elected Officials.” Through various mediums, students depicted leaders of Georgia throughout its history and reflected on how they demonstrated their leadership qualities and executed their responsibility to govern. The Georgia Historical Society received submissions from more than 85 students from eight counties across Georgia.
The winning entries are:
Elementary School:
- Best in Show – Taking a Look Through Georgia’s Legacies Book – Yilin Zhu, SKA Academy, Gwinnett County
- Most Creative – Rosalynn Carter – Olivia Amador, May Howard Elementary, Chatham County
- Most Original – Georgia’s Legacy of Leadership Through the Centuries – Farrah Pfeiffer, May Howard Elementary, Chatham County
- Best use of theme – Contributions of Georgia’s Leaders – Aarav Dharmaraj, New Hampstead K8, Chatham County
Middle School:
- Best in Show – Ivan Allen, Jr. Bobblehead – Jackson Salain, Youth Middle, Walton County
- Most Creative – Jimmy Carter Cake Sculpture – Wyatt Jahner, Loganville Middle, Walton County
- Most Original – Viola Napier Ross – Liyah Robinson, General Ray Davis Middle, Rockdale County
- Best Use of Theme – Georgia’s Legends – Molly Phelps, Youth Middle, Walton County
High School:
- Best in Show – Golden Achievements – Aarna Patel, Innovation Academy, Fulton County
- Most Original – John Ross and Justice – Jack Janeira, Walton High, Cobb County
- Best Use of Theme – Peach State Officials – Terriah Mainor, Georgia Connections Academy, Charter School
Classroom Contest
Through the Classroom Contest, schools created a collaborative art piece reflected in a bulletin board or door decoration on the theme of “Governing Georgia Across Three Centuries.” The student-created work highlighted important leaders and topics throughout Georgia’s history. In its inaugural year, seven schools submitted their work for consideration.
The winning entries are:
Elementary Division
- First Place – Governing Georgia Across Three Centuries Quilt and Poem, Shuman Elementary School, Chatham County
- Second Place – History of Georgia Government, May Howard Elementary School, Chatham County
- Third Place – Governing Georgia Across Three Centuries, Robert W. Gadsden Elementary School, Chatham County
Middle School Division Winner – Governor’s Comic, Rutland Middle School, Bibb County