This year the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association is hosting the first High School Essay Contest.
After sponsoring its successful Middle School Writing Contests the past 11 years, TOGA has changed the contest to offer it to high school students. The change is being made because many high school students are anxious to find money to help continue their education, a release stated.
Prizes will be $500, $250 and $100 for first-, second- and third-places, respectively, for the top essays. A prize of $200 will also be awarded to the school of the top entry. The theme of the essay contest is “Consider the Oyster”—a wide open category that must include an essay that has something to do with oysters.
The competition is open to all Virginia high school students. Homeschooled students are encouraged to enter.
Winners will be announced at the TOGA Membership Party on March 21, 2026 at the Camp Kekoka Boys and Girls Club Camp near Kilmarnock in Lancaster County.
The three top winners will be pu...