2025 Summer Reading Essay Contest

Two winners will receive one $500 Scholarship each
(one Rutherford County high school student and one MTSU incoming freshman or transfer)

All first year students (freshman and transfer) are eligible to submit essays. Essays will be read and evaluated by members of the MTSU faculty and staff. 

Essay Topics

Diane Carlson Evans fought alongside other brave service men and women to fight a physical war. She also fought an emotional war against opposition in order to have a memorial placed in Washington D.C.. Which fight resonates more with you?

OR

Diane Carlson Evans faced opposition for 10 years to gain the support needed to create a war memorial. Describe a time when you overcame opposition to obtain a person goal.

Additional Guidelines

• Essay Length: maximum of 1,000 words
• Formatting: double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12pt. Times New Roman

Personal Information

• Cover Page: All entries must have a cover sheet that includes your name and essay title.
  • MTSU students: Include M number, MTSU email, and phone number
  • RUCO students: Include high school, senior English teacher, email, and phone number
• Essay: Judging is anonymous, so do not include your name anywhere in your essay. Only include your name on the cover page.
• Originality: Your submission must be an entirely original piece of writing. 
• Deadline: All entries must be submitted by AUGUST 4, 2025, to [email protected] with “Healing Wounds” in the subject line.