There are several categories where students from elementary through high school can compete for financial awards and recognition

Financial awards for student essays presented by The Sons of The American Revolution (SAR) have been substantially increased for this school year. There are several categories where students from elementary through high school can compete for financial awards and recognition.

• High School students participating in a Knight Essay, Rumbaugh Oration or Youth Video competition can earn an award of $1,000 for first place from the SAR Washington State Society. $500 is awarded to second place and $250 is awarded to third place in each category at the state level.
• Students enrolled in a high school’s JROTC program can also win similar awards by writing an essay during their junior year, talking about how their school’s program is preparing them to become good citizens.
• Likewise, students who are Eagle Scouts can win up to $1,000 in an essay contest designed just for them. Entries progressing to National can earn much more — upwards of $10,000 for first place.
• In addition to programs at the high school level, there’s an elementary school poster competition and a middle school brochure contest, providing opportunities for recognition for students at the lower grade levels. 

“These SAR Youth Programs are just one way that we encourage young men and women to actively learn more about the history of American Revolution and the important sacrifices made by men and women who helped establish a new nation,” says Jeff Lightburn, Ft. Vancouver SAR Chapter trustee & immediate past president. “Competition for each of these programs starts with local entries right here in our own community. Students submit their entries to our SAR chapter, and we select the winners who receive financial reward and recognition. In turn, they advance to our state society where the rewards are greater. Students who advance beyond our state society level to National SAR competition can earn substantial scholarships.” 

Each of these programs challenge students to creatively discuss elements from the American Revolution, as well as aspects of our U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and more. 

Deadlines for submittals are the end of December and early 2023. To find out more about these programs in the community, contact Jeff Lightburn; jclightburn@gmail.com.

The Sons of the American Revolution is the largest male lineage organization in the United States and consists of men who can provide lineal bloodline descent from people who served during the Revolutionary War, or who contributed to establishing the independence of the United States. The society is dedicated to assisting its members, schools, teachers, veterans and the general public in their efforts to sustain and preserve our history and constitutional principles. It consists of 50 societies with more than 500 local chapters, several international societies and over 36,000 members. It is a nonprofit 501(c)3 entity and refrain from engaging in any form of political speech or activity.