Ackerman Essay Contest

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.”

Everyone who knows a youth that might be a good writer, please share this article with them and encourage them to write about this theme. They will not only learn about the iris, but they will work on their creative writing skills.  They do NOT need to be a member of AIS. However, I will encourage you to get your club to pay their dues to AIS if they show any interest in writing to this iris prompt.

Hello to all the youth! This month is the perfect time to share your love and kindness. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.  So, this month show kindness to everyone you meet, and you will make their day better and yours too.  

Now….the theme for the Ackerman Youth Essay writing contest this year, is about imagining your own iris hybrid. And with spring breaks coming up, you can get started writing. 

Pretend you are going to hybridize a new iris for a particular color, pattern, flounce, horn, or other things in an iris that would be special to you. Decide what you want to end up with when your iris blooms. Try to imagine what the parents could be for your iris. Which two irises crossed might give you what you are looking for. Write about why you are picking the parents for your special iris, and what you want your new iris to look like. Then come up with a name for your new hybrid. For your essay, write all about what you were thinking and why you picked the parents to get your new iris, and why you chose the name. Maybe even draw us a picture of your new hybrid.

The deadline for the AIS Foundation’s Ackerman Youth Essay Contest is May 17, 2025. We know it is difficult to write a creative and informative essay.  So, before you finish it up and turn it in, get your Mom, Dad, Sister, Aunt, Teacher, or anyone to read it over after you write your first draft. Get them to help you think about how to add to it, make it have more details, and check your grammar and spelling. 

The American Iris Society 2025 National Iris Convention is on June 7 in Billings Montana! This is where you will be recognized, receive your money, and a certificate for a 2025 iris introduction if you win in the youth essay contest! 

There are three age group competition categories, thus awarding three 1st, three 2nd, and three 3rd place prizes: one in each age group! The age groups are 9 and Under, 10-12, and 13 and Over. All three age groups will receive a $100 Reward for First Place, $50 Reward for Second Place, and $25 Reward for Third Place (all courtesy of The American Iris Society Foundation). 

Winners will also receive a new 2025 iris from one of our wonderful hybridizers. And of course, there are just a couple of other easy rules:

• Essays should be written in 500 words or less. 
• The deadline for getting the essay finished and submitted to me is May 17, 2025. 
• Send your essay to Debbie Strauss at debbie@loveirises.com or mail it to me at 2213 Hereford Blvd, Midland TX 79707.