The Arizona Department of Transportation is offering public schools in each county an opportunity to obtain one of 15 Arizona Centennial road signs.

The signs, which were put up to celebrate the state’s 100^th year in 2012, have been seen by millions along highways throughout the state for a decade.

ADOT would like them to remain a meaningful piece of state history in schools throughout Arizona.

A student essay contest will be used to determine which public school will receive a sign commemorating Arizona statehood.

The topic of the essay contest involves the five C’s of Arizona: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate.

“Each of these five resources serves an important role in Arizona’s history,” ADOT officials said, and students may choose one or multiple resources for the assignment.

The essay should describe why the resource, or resources, plays an important role in the economy and culture of Arizona. 

Contest rules are:

• Eligible students must be enrolled in 6th to 12th grades. The essays must be at least 400 words and be the original work of the student.
• One essay per public school is allowed to be submitted. The designated school administrator or official will submit their school’s essay nomination through the contest website at azdot.gov/essay-contest. Hand-written submissions can be scanned as a PDF and submitted electronically.
• The deadline for submitting essays to ADOT is midnight Jan. 31. 
• Essays submitted from each participating school will be judged by a panel of ADOT employees based on originality, creativity, writing style and descriptive language. 
• Note: The centennial road signs, which are 4 feet by 4 feet, are authentic and may show minor effects of weather or other signs of use. 

One winning essay will be chosen in each Arizona county to receive a centennial sign, according to ADOT. Winning schools will be announced on Feb. 14.

ADOT officials said school officials should visit azdot.gov/essay-contest for complete contest rules and information.