The Oregon Chapter of the Theodore Roosevelt Association was formed as an outgrowth of the Rough Rider Restoration 2000 Committee, originally created to raise funds to restore the famous Rough Rider statue of TR on horseback by sculptor Phimister Proctor.

To generate further interest in TR the group held an essay contest for three age groups.

Awards for the essays were given at the rededication ceremony on July 15, 200 at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, OR. Two of the winner's essays are published in various places throughout this website.

Middle School Winner for Theodore on Rushmore
Kent Robins
Portland Lutheran Middle School

High School Winner for Speak Softly and Carry a Diplomatic Stick
Brian Wagner
U.S.Grant High School

This first contest boasted an distinguished panel of judges: Oregon Historian Kenneth Brody; former US Senator Mark Hatfield; Ex. Director Oregon Historical Society Chet Orloff; Theodore Roosevelt Association Executive Director Dr. John A. Gable and Oregon businessman Cleve Larson who chaired the committee and served as master of ceremonies for the event.

The essay contest is expected to become an annual event.