Beekeeping Essay Contest

Love bees? Enjoy writing? Here’s your chance to do both—and win prizes!
The 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest invites youth to explore the fascinating world of bees through research and writing. This annual contest helps 4-H’ers build their communication, research, and critical thinking skills—all while learning more about the vital role of bees in our world.

Top essays at both the state and national levels are eligible for cash awards and recognition. For more resources on beekeeping, visit our Entomology and Beekeeping project page.

For this essay, a 4-H student should answer these questions:  

How is pollen important to bees? Has pollen been changing in plants and in our landscapes? If so, are those changes affecting bees?  When do you observe the most and least pollen in your colonies and how does that impact their temperament and productivity?

Contest Rules

1. The contest is open only to active 4-H club members. 
2. 4-H’ers who have previously placed first, second, or third at the national level are not eligible; other state winners are eligible to re-enter.
3. Failure to meet any one rule will result in the disqualification of the entry.
4. Write on the designated subject only.
5. All factual statements and interview references must be cited in a “sources” or “bibliography” list.
6. On a separate page, include a brief biographical statement for the writer, along with their mailing address, email address, and phone number.
7. The essay should address the assigned topic in 750 to 1,000 words, excluding sources, works cited, and the writer’s biography.
8. Essays must be typed on single-sided pages, double-spaced, in a 12pt legible font.
9. Essays are judged: (a) scope of research, 40%; (b) accuracy, 30%; (c) creativity, 10%; (d) conciseness, 10%; and (e) logical progression, 10%.
10. All submissions become the Foundation’s property and may be used or published at its discretion. Essays will not be returned.
11. NEW RULE for 2026:  The statement “I verify that AI was not used to create this essay” must also be included at the bottom of the essay and signed.

2025 State Winners

• First place: Elleazah Pence – Knox County
• Second place: Lindy Gladson – Hancock County
• Third place: Lemuel Gladson – Hancock County

• 2026 National Awards (sponsored by the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees)
  • First place: $750.00, Second place: $500.00, Third place: $250.00