The competitions are open to Marshall University and all K-12 students, who may submit one entry per student. It is free to enter. The winner at Marshall will receive $250. First place winners in elementary, middle and high school will receive $100 and their teachers $50.
Entries will be judged based on these criteria:
- The extent to which the design effectively expresses the 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor.” Information about the theme is available at 2025 Black History Theme African Americans and Labor.
- Social Impact: The potential of the design to improve race relations and/or preserve/observe Black history.
- Visual Impact: the expression of ideas through the composition and execution of the poster.
- Statement: Description of the research, what the student learned and factors that were considered in designing the poster. The statement should be at least 100 words.
Students may create their posters using digital tools and/or traditional media such as letterpress, silkscreen, markers, paint, pens, collage, stitching, photography, mixed media, etc. If using traditional media, scan or photograph your entry for online submission.
Posters should be 11 x 14 inches. Submit only JPG or PDF formats. Images must be 4 MB or smaller and less than 1,000 pixels in either dimension.
Students should submit their entries and statements at the following website: https://www.marshall.edu/woodsonlyceum/poster-contest/.
The winning posters will be unveiled at a ceremony in early 2025. The winning posters may be reproduced and displayed on the Marshall University campus and featured on The Woodson Lyceum’s website. Winners and their teachers will need to complete paperwork to receive the monetary prizes.
For questions about the competitions, contact Dr. Carline Waugh, chair of the Competition Committee, at waughc@marshall.edu; or Professor Burnis Morris, director of the Woodson Lyceum, at morrisb@marshall.edu.