In celebration of Southeast Missouri State University's 125th anniversary, the university is sponsoring an essay contest with the same topics from an essay contest held in 1874 at the then Normal School.

The essay contest has three categories. Cash awards of $100 for first place and $50 to each of two honorable mentions will be given in the three categories: students, community members-alumnus, and faculty-staff.

The essay topics, as first used in 1874, are "The Power of Trifles," "School Days," "Celebrated Rivers," "Paddle Your Own Canoe" and "Cape Girardeau in 2025."

Normal School students who presented winning essays in 1874 were Belle Green, Mollie Holmes, Charles K. Hayden, Elizabeth Hines and George Kenrick.

"We would love to have relatives or ancestors of any of the students who recited their essays in 1874 to be present for the revised essays of 1999," said Jim Biundo, chairman of the university's anniversary committee.

If anyone can identify relatives of the students, contact Biundo.

Current essay rules are outlined on an application form available from the university.

Essays must be between 750 and 1,000 words, typed, double-spaced and must be submitted no later than Feb. 15. Winners will be notified in March. First-prize essays will be read in a public celebration April 8 and will be published in Journey magazine.