Existential Questions
- What if the way we design and cultivate our landscapes today determines whether future generations inherit abundance or scarcity?
- Are we truly growing food and plants in harmony with nature, or are we forcing nature to conform to our needs—at what cost?
- If biodiversity is essential for a healthy ecosystem, why do we continue designing landscapes that limit it?
- How can we redefine ‘success’ in agriculture—not by yields alone, but by the resilience and regeneration of the land?
- What responsibility do we have to ensure that our plant choices today sustain not only us but the countless unseen species that depend on them?
Submission Guidelines
- Eligibility: Open to all students attending the National FFA Next Gen Conference – Plant Systems panel.
- Essay Topic: Address the five existential questions posed during the panel discussion, connecting them to sustainability, native plants, and agriculture.
- Word Count: 800–1,200 words.
- Format:
- Typed, double-spaced, 12-pt font (Times New Roman or Arial).
- Include a title and the student’s name, school, and contact information.
- Submission Deadline: April 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST
- How to Submit: Via email to Essay.Submission@MyDragonflyGardens.com with the subject line “MDG Next Gen Essay Submission – [Student’s Name]” or through an online form below.
- Original Work: Must be the student’s original work. AI-generated or plagiarized content will be disqualified.
- Prize: The best submission will receive a $300 cash prize, and the winning essay may be published on the My Dragonfly Gardens website, social media and other professional networks.
Judging Criteria & Best Practices
Each submission will be scored on a 100-point scale, with these categories:
Fresh Perspective & Creativity (25 points)
- Does the essay bring a new, innovative perspective on sustainable agriculture, native plants, and the broader ecological challenges?
- Is there an emphasis on fresh, practical solutions that engage with current issues?
Harmony Between Nature and Humans (25 points)
- Does the essay highlight ways to create balanced, mutually beneficial relationships between people and the environment?
- Are the ideas presented focused on sustainability, regeneration, and ecological integrity in ways that align human activities with the needs of the natural world?
Connection to Sustainability & Native Plants (20 points)
- How well does the essay connect sustainability and biodiversity to native plant use and ecological restoration?
- Are native plants emphasized as a vital part of sustaining ecosystems and human well-being?
Practicality & Real-World Application (15 points)
- Are the ideas presented feasible and practical for real-world implementation?
- Does the essay demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable agriculture?
Clarity & Structure (10 points)
- Is the essay well-organized and easy to follow?
- Does it stay focused on the topic while effectively conveying the argument?
Grammar & Presentation (5 points)
- Is the essay written clearly with minimal errors?
- Does it meet the required formatting guidelines?
Disclaimer: By submitting an essay, participants grant My Dragonfly Gardens (MDG) permission to publish, share, and promote their work in digital and print formats. MDG reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and formatting while maintaining the original intent of the work.