COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Cooperstown Central School is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Hugh C. MacDougall Essay Contest, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cooperstown, honoring the life, legacy and civic spirit of long-time Rotarian and Village Historian Hugh C. MacDougall.

Open to juniors at Cooperstown Junior-Senior High School, this new annual contest challenges students to explore local history through thoughtful research and reflective writing. The student whose essay is selected as the winner will receive a $500 cash prize and be recognized at a Rotary Club of Cooperstown luncheon.

The contest is being introduced in conjunction with U.S. History coursework and is designed to connect students with the people and stories that have shaped the greater Cooperstown community.

“This essay contest is based upon history and life in Cooperstown and serves as a memorial to town historian Hugh MacDougall,” said Jennifer Pindar, Chair of the Cooperstown Central School History Department.

Following a lesson on Hugh MacDougall’s life and his embodiment of civic responsibility, students will research and write about a local historical figure who made a lasting impact on the Cooperstown area. Subjects may include Rotarians, writers, business owners, service members, artists, scientists, educators, public servants or individuals connected to institutions such as Fenimore Farm and Country Village, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Clark Sports Center or Bassett Healthcare.

Hugh Cooke MacDougall, a retired United States diplomat, settled in Cooperstown in 1986 and quickly became a passionate steward of the Village’s history. He served as Village Historian from 2006 until his passing in 2021, dedicating his time to preserving and sharing Cooperstown’s past. During his tenure, MacDougall founded and directed the James Fenimore Cooper Society, furthering appreciation for the renowned author and his legacy.

A graduate of Harvard University and Columbia Law School, MacDougall served for 28 years in diplomatic posts around the world with the U.S. State Department. Among his many notable accomplishments was his role in the rescue of kidnapped students working at Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research station in Gombe, Africa, for which he received the U.S. State Department’s Bronze Medal.

At the local level, MacDougall’s commitment to Cooperstown was equally profound. In addition to serving as Historian, he was a Village Trustee and a member of the Planning Board and Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board. He led historical walking tours, authored a weekly column for The Cooperstown Crier and delivered countless lectures and interviews that brought local history to life for residents and visitors alike.

“Hugh MacDougall influenced the school community through his participation as a local History Day contest judge and community interviews for the Heritage Project," said Michelle Hitchcock, Cooperstown Junior-Senior High School Librarian. "He also donated a collection of James Fenimore Cooper titles to the high school library. Truly, Hugh was an expert in many areas, and he was always willing to share his knowledge and insight. I am grateful to have worked with him.”

The Rotary Club of Cooperstown is enthusiastic about sponsoring this new annual essay contest, which reflects Rotary’s long-standing commitment to education and community service.

The Hugh C. MacDougall Essay Contest is being supported through a collaborative effort between the Cooperstown Central School History and English departments, along with a broader team of faculty members. Teachers will guide students through the research, writing and revision process, helping them develop strong historical inquiry skills, effective argumentation and polished written expression. This interdisciplinary approach ensures the project is both academically rigorous and meaningful, while reinforcing the real-world relevance of research, writing and civic engagement.

“Education is one of Rotary’s core pillars, and this essay contest aligns perfectly with our mission,” said a Rotary representative. “Civic responsibility is central to Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, and Hugh MacDougall exemplified that value throughout his life.”

The Rotary Club of Cooperstown has a deep history of supporting students through scholarships and educational initiatives. The club awards vocational scholarships to local graduates each year, supporting students pursuing careers in fields such as nursing, culinary arts, mechanics and other skilled trades. In the past year alone, nine scholarships were awarded.

Through the Hugh C. MacDougall Essay Contest, Rotary and Cooperstown Central School hope to inspire students to engage with local history, recognize the impact of civic leadership and see themselves as future stewards of their community.