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2026 NSU Louisiana High School Creative Expressions Contest

Congratulations to the Winner of the
2026 NSU Louisiana High School
Creative Expressions Contest!

First Place

Lauren Bright
St. Scholastica Academy
“The Hidden Treasures of the Tammany Trace”

The 1st Annual NSU Louisiana High School Creative Expressions Contest is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center, the Department of English, Languages, and Cultural Studies, the Office of Financial Aid, and the Office of Recruiting at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Theme: Remembering Louisiana

 

The 2026 theme, “Remembering Louisiana,” encourages students to explore and capture the people, places, traditions, and moments that define Louisiana.

Participants will submit original photographs along with written reflections explaining their connection to the subject and its significance to the theme.

Fountain in the CAPA courtyard

Submission Guidelines

What to Submit:

  • Up to three (3) original photographs

  • Each photo must include:

    • A title

    • 1–2 pages of writing explaining:

      • The photo’s connection to the theme

      • The student’s personal connection to the subject

File Requirements:

  • Photos: JPEG (or similar image format)

  • Writing: Microsoft Word document

Additional Notes:

  • Photos do not need to be taken with professional equipment
    (cell phone photography is acceptable)

N Side View Day to be held Feb. 28

How to Enter

 

Each submission must include a cover sheet with:

  • Student name

  • Mailing address

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • School affiliation

  • Title of entry

Submit by mail:

Louisiana Folklife Center
NSU Box 5688
Natchitoches, LA 71497

Email:
macijeskir@nsula.edu
Subject line: “2026 NSU Louisiana High School Creative Expressions Contest”

NSU Main Gate

Important Dates

 

  • Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026

  • Winner Notification: July 15, 2026

NSU Banner

Prizes & Scholarships

 

Contest Awards:

  • 1st Place: $150

  • 2nd Place: $100

  • 3rd Place: $50

Scholarship Opportunity:
Winners will also receive a $200 per semester scholarship to Northwestern State University (up to $1,600 over four years).

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Minimum 20 ACT or 950 SAT

  • Minimum 2.0 GPA

  • Proof of award submission required

Recognition Opportunities

 

  • Winning entries will be displayed at the 18th Annual Louisiana Studies Conference (September 12, 2026, on the NSU campus)

  • Selected works will be published in the Louisiana Folklife Journal

Publication & Usage Rights

 

By submitting an entry, students:

  • Grant permission for publication in the Louisiana Folklife Journal

  • Agree to allow their work to be used in future promotional materials by the Louisiana Folklife Center

  • Acknowledge that minor edits may be made prior to publication

NSU students gather in Student Union

Learn More

 

For full details, visit the Louisiana Folklife Center website:
https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/highschoolessay/

Contest Co-Chairs

 

  • Jason Church

  • Daniel Gordy

  • Rebecca Macijeski

  • Shea Montgomery

  • Shane Rasmussen

A group of NSU students gather on a sidewalk on campus

Sponsors

 

  • Louisiana Folklife Center

  • Department of English, Languages, and Cultural Studies

  • Office of Financial Aid

  • Office of Recruiting at Northwestern State University

NSU campus during sunset of pillars