Our mission at City Guides is one of giving back to the community through sharing an appreciation of the history and diverse stories of the city we love. This year, we are excited to add another way to give back to the community: We are co-sponsoring the second annual Fracchia Prize with the San Francisco Historical Society.
The prize, named for the founder and President Emeritus of the San Francisco Historical Society, Charles Fracchia, recognizes San Francisco teens who demonstrate excellence in original writing about San Francisco history. Any student attending a San Francisco high school is eligible to submit an entry for one of three prizes.
It’s particularly appropriate that City Guides should collaborate on the prize this year, as candidates are being asked to submit a walking tour of Golden Gate Park on the 150th anniversary of the park’s opening. The contest, endorsed by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and Mayor London Breed, is themed “One Perfect Day in Golden Gate Park.” Students must create a walk of six to eight stops in one section of the park, and must tell the history of each stop along the way.
The winners will be chosen by a panel that will judge entries on the basis of strong writing skills, well-chosen stops, accurate information, proper citations, and the possible use of primary and secondary sources. The winners each receive a cash prize – $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $1,000 for third place – and will have their work appear in the Society’s publications. The three winners also will be invited to attend a special award ceremony in the park later this year. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2020.
We’re proud to be co-sponsoring a prize whose purpose is to foster a love of San Francisco history by the next generation of San Franciscans – and one that is so closely aligned with what we all do as guides. Who knows? The winners may become the next generation of City Guides!
For more information and how to apply visit: sfhistory.org/fracchia-prize
