The Elks Americanism Essay Contest is for students in fifth-eighth grade. This year’s theme is “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?”
The essay should not exceed 300 words, and must be typed or written legibly in ink. The entrant must submit the essay no later than Dec. 15, 2024 to the San Angelo Elks Lodge #1880 at 2121 S. Chadbourne St., San Angelo, TX 76903; or it can be emailed to [email protected].
Essays will be judged for each grade level. Judging criteria is originality (avoids the use of trite or worn out words and phrases), development of the theme (stays focused on ideas and thoughts; don’t ramble) mechanics and neatness (uses proper spelling, grammar and punctuation).
An information sheet on the student submitting the essay, must also accompany the essay. Information must include the student’s name, age, grade, school, teacher’s name, parents name, gender, phone number, and email address. It also needs to include the student’s address, and the address of the school.
First-, second- and third-place winners in each division will be submitted to the district for review in January, and those winners will be forwarded to the state for review in February. State winners will be sent to Elks Grand Lodge in March. The top three national winners will be selected and announced in Kansas City, Missouri in July of 2025. Those winners will receive a monetary award as well as a plaque from the Elks Grand Lodge.
