News and Updates

Changes and updates for 2023 - important!

Houstonfest Scholarships

Scholarships at State

State Promo Video Contest

Arrival at Heights High School

Lunch options

Contest Promo Video #1 (students from one school tell why they love contest)

Contest Promo Video #2 (one student tells why she loves contest)

Teacher-to-Teacher Tips

"Texas State German Contest at 40" newsletter series (full of tips for contest prep and Pass auf! study material)

Tips for Pair Discussion

Photo Gallery

Daily log of changes to state-qualifier list

Important Dates

Tue., Jan. 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m.:  Houstonfest registration spreadsheet due for regular price of $12/student (payment does not have to be mailed until 1/23).

Mon., Jan. 23, 2023, 11:59 p.m.:  Houstonfest registration spreadsheet due for late price of $15/student. Deadline to postmark Houstonfest payment.

Sat., Jan. 28, 2023, 9:00 a.m.:  Submission of entries in the 7 virtual Houstonfest events due (get link to Google Form from your teacher).

Tue., Jan. 31, 2023, 11:59 p.m.:  Remote judging of the 7 virtual Houstonfest events ends.

Wed., Feb. 1, 2023, 9:00 p.m.:  Houstonfest changes (adds, drops, substitutions) due. After this point, no more changes will be allowed.

Sat., Feb. 4, 2023:  Houstonfest, Heights High School, Houston

Fri., Feb. 10, 2023, 11:59 p.m.:  State online registration due for "early bird" price of $12/student (payment does not have to be mailed until 2/15).

Wed., Feb. 15, 2023, 11:59 p.m.:  State online registration due for regular price of $15/student. Deadline to postmark State payment.

Sat., Feb. 18, 2023, 9:00 a.m.:  Submission of entries in the 7 virtual State events due (get link to Google Form from your teacher). Also, Mary El-Beheri Memorial Scholarship applications due.

Mon., Feb. 20, 2023, 8:00 p.m.:  Entries in promotional video contest due to State director.

Tue., Feb. 21, 2023, 11:59 p.m.:  Remote judging of the 7 virtual State events ends.

Sat., Feb. 25, 2023:  Texas State German Contest, Texas State University, San Marcos

Sat., Mar. 4, 2023, 11:59 p.m.:  Houstonfest Scholarship applications due.

Sun., Mar. 12, 2023:  Gail Cope State Scholarship applications due.

Sun., April 30, 2023:  Gail Cope Teacher Grant applications due.

Scholarships at State

Gail Cope Scholarships

Retired German teacher Gail Cope (formerly of W.T. White High School in Dallas) generously funds scholarships for the top winners at the Texas State German Contest. Scholarship winners are determined by the number of sweepstakes points the students earn for their schools by winning first- through fifth-place awards. At least five scholarships are awarded with the top scholarship worth at least $550.

Each school is allowed to nominate one student per year for this scholarship, but (new in 2023) the selected student can fill out the Google Form application rather than the teacher having to fill it out. The application process is quite simple, and schools are encouraged to take advantage of this wonderful program.

For more information, visit the Gail Cope Scholarships page of the State website.

Mary El-Beheri Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship of at least $500 is given annually in memory of founding State director Mary El-Beheri (1938-2012).

• The scholarship goes only to a current senior who has attended State at least three years (including the current year) and intends to continue his/her study of German after high school.

• Each school is allowed to submit up to three nominees.

• Applications are submitted the week after the regional contests, i.e., the application process occurs BEFORE State and not afterwards.

• Judging is based on the sweepstakes points that the nominee has earned in his/her best three years of attending State. Nominees will indicate what they won at all previous State contests on the application, and their results at the current year's State contest will be added to the mix in the tab room before the winner is determined.

• The finalists are recognized on stage and the winner announced at the State awards ceremony.

• Payment is made directly to the institution where the winner enrolls to study.

See the State website for the rules and application form.

Mary El-Beheri German Heritage Essay Award

for Winning Research Papers at State

The winners of first through fifth place in the research paper contest at the Texas State German Contest receive scholarships funded by the German-Texan Heritage Society (GTHS) and the Texas State German Contest. Amounts are $500 for first, $250 for second, $125 for third, $100 for fourth, and $75 for fifth. Click here for more information.

Visit the GTHS website for more information about the benefits of membership or to join.  Teachers are encouraged to join, but teacher membership is not a requirement for students to win a scholarship.

Texas German Society

While this contest is not directly related to Houstonfest, we are pleased to help the Texas German Society publicize their annual essay contest, which awards scholarships of $1500, $1000, and $750. The application linked below is for the 2022 contest; the 2023 form will be posted when it becomes available. Always make sure to follow the directions carefully.

Application Guidelines and Application Form