Oregon Governor Tom McCall once said, “Oregon is an inspiration. Whether you come to it, or are born to it, you become entranced by our state’s beauty, the opportunity she affords, and the independent spirit of her citizens.” With that in mind, we asked students across the state in grades 3-8 to tell us what they love about Oregon for our 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book Student Essay Contest.

Many essays we received were inspired, just like Governor McCall, by our state’s scenic beauty. Our overall winner this year is Luna Chatilla, who found a new home and inspiration in Oregon after her family escaped the war in Lebanon. Some of our essay contest winners, like Nayarrah Paz Sosa, found joy at our coast through watching others begin a new life together during a wedding ceremony. Others drew inspiration from spending time with family at special places or embracing the diversity of cultures in our state.

​ Each of these essays gave us a chance to see a love of this place through the eyes of young Oregonians. We hope you enjoy these essays and their accompanying illustrations as much as we did.

Essays​

Choose an essay below or use the Next > option to page through the exhibit.

Luna Chatilla

Guled Olol​

Nayarrah Paz Sosa​

Alex Biegel​

Azara Willits

Claire Lee

Trinity Jameson

Next: Luna Chatilla​ >​