Class of 2022 Elgin Sesquicentennial Essay Contest winner MacKenzie Elder (left) and Sesquicentennial Committee Co-Chair Deborah Cartwright (right). MacKenzie is the recipient of a $1,500 scholarship for her winning essay highlighting the railroad as the greatest historical impact in Elgin's 150 year history. A total of 21 essays were submitted and anonymously ranked by a panel of six judges. Special thanks to Elgin ISD for coordinating this once-in-a-lifetime competition. The winning essay will be a part of the Founder's Day Birthday Bash program on Saturday, August 20 and will also be included inside the official time capsule, set to be ...