The Shelter House Society recently debuted an essay contest for East Penn School District students enrolled in history classes. Twenty-five students entered the inaugural contest and wrote on a variety of local history topics including Lock Ridge Furnace, Alburtis, Lenape jasper sites, lifestyle and fitness publisher Rodale and historic figure Harry Trexler. Organizers awarded two prizes for each place. The winning essays will be published in the 2022 Hearthstone, the Shelter House Society's annual publication. The winning essayists also were recognized as junior members of The Shelter House Society. LEFT: East Penn School District students participating in the first essay contest sponsored by the Shelter House Society include, from left to right, Aubrey Marshall, Tygue Allport, Samuel Rainford, Ayaan Shah, Joel Jacobs and Stravos Marangos. The essayists are pictured in the Emmaus Public Library, 11 E. Main St., recently. Samuel Rainford and Joel Jacobs earned third place honors. Aubrey Marshall and Tygue Allport earned second place awards. Stravos Marangos and Ayaan Shah achieved first place honors. Contributed Photo