2026 Matthew Lewey Essay Contest offers prizes for middle and high school students

Press release from the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project, Inc—Alachua/Newnansville Sub-Committee

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Alachua County Community Remembrance Project, Inc—Alachua/Newnansville Sub-Committee proudly announces the 2026 Matthew Lewey Essay Contest for Alachua County middle and high school students, including students who are home-schooled and in charter schools. This is one of the organization’s primary youth educational components. Essay contest winners receive monetary rewards, which they can save for the future or apply toward current needs. The essay submission period is Feb 1 – 16, 2026. Awards will be presented on April 25, 2026, at the 2026 Matthew Lewey Essay Contest Recognition Celebration, which runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Paradise Church (14889 NW 135th Terrace, Alachua).

This year’s essay topic is: “Matthew Lewey’s Life and Career as a Servant Leader in Newnansville, FL?” This educational component of our community activities encourages research, writing improvement, and critical thinking, as well as discovering little-known local, state, and national historical facts.

In past years, the committee has awarded several monetary scholarships totaling a few thousand dollars. We are now seeking contributions to help with this year’s contest. Therefore, we ask that our local governments, businesses, and individuals provide monetary support for this year’s monetary awards for our ACCRP important recognition and remembrance activities. Your donation will help make a difference in the lives of those we serve, especially our youth.

Donations can be received via checks made payable to: Alachua County Community Remembrance Project, Inc. Please indicate in the memo section: ACCRP Matthew Lewey Essay Contest. Mail your contribution to ACCRP, P O Box 357685, Gainesville, FL 32635. If you prefer, we can also have a member of our organization pick up your donation at a place and time you prefer. W-9 forms are available upon request. We recognize all our supporters.

Please send your recognition promotional and marketing materials right away, but at least no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026, so we can acknowledge you for your support. Pledges and questions can be sent by email to dgsermons5@gmail.com, or call (816) 863-8758 to arrange for a pick-up by one of our members. Thank you for your consideration.