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 the Morgantown Lodge #411 is December 15, 2023. All essays must go through the judging process through the #411 Lodge first. The winning essays in each division from the Morgantown Lodge will receive a $100 Scholarship and be advanced on to the next level. 

Winners from local lodges advance on to the State's District Lodge Activities Chair, then on to the 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.

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Features in this year’s contest are:

1. Four separate divisions for 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th grade students.
2. 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.

Entry Rules

1. ATthe time of the contest, eligible participants must be Students enrolled (during the normal 2033-24 school year, in one of these four divisions: 
        I—5th grade
        II—6th grade
        III—7th grade
        IV—8th grade
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 the home address of the entrant.
5. Participant 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.)
6. Deadline: must be submitted to Morgantown Lodge #411 by December 15, 2023.
7. 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.​

ENTRY PACK DOWNLOAD WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON

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