BEDFORD — The Lawrence County Historical and Genealogical Society (LCHGS) has officially announced the winners of the 2026 Phil Mitchell Excellence in History Essay Contest. The annual competition encourages middle school and 7th-grade students to dive into the rich heritage of Lawrence County and preserve the local stories that shaped the community.
This year’s submissions came from students at Bedford Middle School, St. Vincent de Paul School, and the local homeschooling community. Each entry was evaluated by a panel of judges using a standardized scoring matrix.
The winning essays covered a diverse range of topics, from military history and space exploration to the craftsmanship of the Indiana limestone industry.
2026 Award Recipients:
- First Place: Della Young (St. Vincent de Paul) – “Reta S. Winkler in WACs”
- Second Place: Presley Potts (Bedford Middle School) – “American Hero: Gus Grissom”
- Third Place: Andrew Bennett (Homeschooled) – “Bedford Bill Rariden”
Honorable Mentions:
- Kaylee Kyker (St. Vincent de Paul) – “The Death Crowns”
- Izabella Moore (St. Vincent de Paul) – “St. Vincent de Paul Church”
- Hutton Highsmith (St. Vincent de Paul) – “David Y. Johnson, Limestone Carver”
“These students have shown remarkable dedication to uncovering and preserving our local history,” said Lawrence County Historian Marla Jones. “Their work not only honors the past but also inspires future generations to keep our stories alive.”
The LCHGS will host a public reception to honor the winners on Monday, March 9th, at 7:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Lawrence County Museum’s meeting room.
During the ceremony, the winning students will read their essays aloud and receive prize money for their achievements. Friends, family, and members of the public are encouraged to attend and support these young historians.
