2023-2024
Grand Lodge AmerIcanism Essay Contest
Submission Deadline: December 15,2023
“What the bill of rights means to me”
The 2023-24 theme is “What the Bill of Rights Means to Me.” It is aimed at providing our youth with an appreciation of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution and their importance to every citizen.
The deadline for submitting entries to your Local Lodges is December 15, 2023. All essays must go through the judging process through your Local Lodge first, then to your States District Lodge Activities Chairman, then on to your State Chair.
Grand Lodge will award $1,000 to the first-place winners in each age division, $500 to second place, and $250 to third place. Winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session in Austin, TX in July 2024.
The deadline for submitting entries to your Local Lodges is December 15, 2023. All essays must go through the judging process through your Local Lodge first, then to your States District Lodge Activities Chairman, then on to your State Chair.
Grand Lodge will award $1,000 to the first-place winners in each age division, $500 to second place, and $250 to third place. Winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session in Austin, TX in July 2024.
Features in this year’s contest are:
- Four separate divisions for 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grade students.
- Monetary Awards for National winning essays from each grade level as follows:
$1,000 for 1st place; $500 for 2nd place; $250 for 3rd place.
- 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, during the normal 2023-24 school year,
preceding June 30, 2023. - Essay length is not to exceed 300 words.
- Essay must be typed or legibly printed in ink. Also, Essay must be submitted as written (or typed) by the entrant.
- Essay must be submitted for judging to the Elks Lodge administering the contest at his/her school or, if unknown, the Lodge nearest to the home address of the entrant.
- Entrant must be identified on the Essay by name, home address, grade, school attended and sponsoring Lodge. (Lodge may enter Lodge information on Essay Cover Sheet.)
- Deadline: must be submitted to Local Lodge by December 15, 2023.
- Judging Criteria:
Originality: avoids the use of trite or worn out words and phrases.
Development of theme: stays focused on ideas and thoughts; don’t ramble.
Mechanics and neatness: uses proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
