2024-2025
Americanism Essay Contest

Essay Theme: “What does patriotism mean to me?”

1. At the time of the contest, eligible participants must be Students enrolled in one of these four divisions: I—5th grade; II—6th grade; III—7th grade; or IV—8th grade.
Deadline: Must be submitted to local Lodge by December 15, 2024.
2. Essay length is not to exceed 300 words.
3. Essay must be typed or legibly printed in ink. Also, Essay must be submitted as written (or typed) by the entrant.
4. Essay must be submitted for judging to the Elks Lodge nearest to home address of entrant.
5. Entrant must be identified on essay by name, home address, grade, school attended and sponsoring Lodge. (Lodge may enter Lodge information on essay.)
6. Judging criteria: Originality: Avoid the use of trite or worn out words and phrases — 30 points
Development of theme: Stay focused on ideas and thoughts. Don’t ramble — 40 points
Mechanics and neatness: Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation — 30 points

There are four divisions for judging essays:
Top three from Division I (5th Grade);
Top three from Division II (6th Grade);
Top three from Division III (7th Grade);
and Top three from Division IV (8th Grade);

(Cover Sheet must accompany each Essay, see link on right)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROCEDURES FOR LODGE AMERICANISM CHAIRMAN Select from submitted entries the top three essays from each division and send the twelve essays to the District Americanism Chairman by Jan. 31, 2025, or the date established by the State Association.

PROCEDURES FOR DISTRICT AMERICANISM CHAIRMAN Select the top three essays in each division from all entries submitted by Local Lodges and send the twelve essays to the State Americanism Chairman by Feb. 28, 2025, or the date established by the State Association.

PROCEDURES FOR STATE AMERICANISM CHAIRMAN Select the first-, second- and third-place winners for the state from entries submitted by the District Chairman. In addition, State Chairman forwards the first-place winners from each division to the Grand Lodge Essay Contest Administrator. (Must be postmarked by March 31, 2025.) SEND TO: Essay Contest Administrator Mark E. Eaton, Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee, 1 Orms Street, Warwick, RI 02889-9318. Plaques and monetary awards for first-, second-, and third-place winning essays in Divisions I, II, III, and IV, will be available for pickup at the Fraternal Committee’s Booth at the end of the Grand Lodge Session on July 1, 2025.