The 2024 Student Essay Contest is now open! See below for all the details on this year's contest and read the 2023 winning essays for inspiration.

Do you have an interesting story to tell?

Share it by entering the Student Essay Contest. Your experience could win you cash!

Submit your essay

About the Student Essay Contest

The Student Essay Contest is an annual contest at Reynolds Community College sponsored by the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation. The goal of the contest is to capture the many stories of the students who walk the halls of Reynolds. We're eager to read about your experience! The first 10 submissions will receive a $25 gift card to the Reynolds Book Store. 

Essay Topics: choose one

  • What Reynolds means to me
  • I'm choosing my career path because...
  • How Reynolds will shape my future

Prizes:

  • First prize - $300
  • Second prize - $200
  • Third prize - $100 

Guidelines and How to Enter

The last day for submissions to the Student Essay Contest is Thursday, April 25th. Please see below for contest guidelines and how to enter:

  • Please select one of the essay topics above. Your essay should be two to four pages of typed and double-spaced text using 12-point Times New Roman font. Essays should be submitted in a .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
  • Be sure to include your Reynolds Student ID in the header of your essay.
  • The first 10 submissions will get a $25 gift card to the Reynolds Book Store
  • The top three winners will have their essays featured on the website
  • Tip: Utilize the Reynolds Writing Studio to make your essay its best!

Questions? Email them to foundation@reynolds.edu.

Submit your essay