Even though the Fourth of July seems a long way off, the time is now for local students in grades six through 12 to submit their essays for the annual Independence Day writing challenge that is being sponsored by Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in collaboration with the Friends of Hopewell Furnace. Students will read their winning essays during the park's Independence Day program on Friday, July 4.

The contest is open to students who attend schools in the counties surrounding the historic site - Chester, Montgomery and Berks counties. Locally eligible students include those who reside in the Coatesville, Daniel Boone, Owen J. Roberts and Twin Valley school districts. Homeschooled students in those districts are also welcome to participate.

As part of the contest, students in grades nine through 12 are asked to submit an essay of 500 words or fewer, and students in grades six through eight may submit an essay of 300 words or fewer. This year's topic is "What Is Your Pursuit of Happiness?"

According to Jeff Jones, site manager, the topic of the contest each year is based on the Declaration of Independence. In 2022, the topic was "What Does the Declaration of Independence Mean to You?" In 2023, students were asked to answer the question "What Does the Phrase 'Created Equal' Mean to You?" Last year's topic was "What Does the Word 'Liberty' Mean to You?"

The top three winners from each group will read their essays on July 4 during a ceremony set for 2 p.m. at the Ironmaster's Mansion. Last year, all but one winning student attended the program; the remaining essay was read by one of the site's park rangers.

The 2024 event also featured patriotic music and the recitation of the Declaration of Independence, which audience members volunteered to read line by line.

Last year, Jones announced that there were 70 essay submissions, double the number of the previous year. Among the high school winners was Abigail Smith, a 2024 graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, who earned second place. Jones pointed out that Abigail participated in every Hopewell essay contest, and her essay was the first one ever submitted.

Essays may be submitted by mail to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520; emailed to HOFU_Superintendent@nps.gov; or hand-delivered to the park visitor center on Wednesdays through Sundays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

In addition to the essay, each entry should include the student's name and grade, and the name of the school or school district where the student lives or attends, as well as the name of a name of parent or guardian and their email address and a telephone number.

Submissions are due by Sunday, April 20. Complete details are available by visiting www.nps.gov/hofu and searching for "Independence Day Writing Challenge." The website also includes the winning essays from 2024.

Hopewell Furnace is located off Route 345, about 5 miles south of Birdsboro. Admission to the park is free. For more information, call 610-582-8773 or visit the aforementioned website or http://www.facebook.com/HopewellFurnaceNHS.

The park's facilities are currently open on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.