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Isabella Molina-Conrardy, an 11th-grade student at Colorado River Collegiate Academy, takes first place and a $500 prize in the Bastrop County Historical Commission’s historical essay contest. Her essay, “The American People,” argued movements from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement helped expand the Declaration’s promise to more people across each generation. As part of Bastrop County’s observance of America’s 250th anniversary, the commission’s 2026 contest recognized three students for essays exploring who has done the most to advance the principles of the Declaration of Independence. Tytiona M. Whitemon, a 2026 Elgin High School graduate, earned second place and $300, and 11th-grade Elgin High student Regan E. McFarlin received third place and $200.
