american legion essay contest 2023 illinois

Naperville, IL

Americanism Essay Contest

AMERICANISM AND CITIZENSHIP

About the contest

The American Legion Department of Illinois,

American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion are cosponsors of this AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST.

It's purpose is to aid the schools of Illinois in the teaching of AMERICANISM and GOOD CITIZENSHIP.

Eligibility

        CLASS I - 7th and 8th grades

        CLASS II - 9th and 10th grades

        CLASS III - 11th and 12th grades  

All contestants must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States of America and a bona fide student in a Junior or Senior High School.  Home schooled will be competing at their own grade level according to age.  

Eligible participants in the contest shall be citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

Competition will be at Naperville Post 43 and continue on to the Auxiliary District and Division level. 

Contest Rules

Essay entry must include:

Title page with Essay subject name on it

Students name and home address (including city and state)

Grade in school

Name of school

Name of sponsoring Post (Post 43)

ALL the above information MUST PRECEDE THE ESSAY!

The essay shall be no more than 500 words in length (not counting a, an, and, the).

The essay may be either typed or written in ink on regular theme paper.

No decorative borders, pictures or other graphics.

Pages must be numbered at the center bottom, starting with the first page of the essay and paper clipped together.  (PLEASE No staples

All essays must be submitted to a local American Legion Post.

"Why am I proud to be an American"

BASIS FOR JUDGING - points

1.  Content

A.  Originality and Presentation  25

B.  Relation to topic  15

C.  Essay must be  factual  10 

2.  Organization of Subject Matter

A.  Unity (avoid irrelevant matter)  10

B.  Emphasis (good  proportion and  arrangement of parts)  10

C.  Coherence  (clearness)    10

3.  Correct Usage

A.  Choice of words  (free from overused  expressions)  10

B.  Effective sentences  (correct grammar,  spelling, punctuation and neatness)  10

TOTAL  100

The essay must reach the local American Legion Post by:

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

All Illinois School students in the 7th and 8th grades and Junior and Senior High School are invited to participate in this contest. 

The contest is divided into the following three classes.

CLASS I - 7th and 8th grades

CLASS II - 9th and 10th grades

CLASS III - 11th and 12th grade

How to Submit

Thank you for your interest in the Americanism Essay Contest .  

The essay must reach the local American Legion Post:

Submit electronically in either Word or pdf format to:

[email protected]

Or by mail to:

American Legion Post 43

Americanism Essay Contest PO Box 4 Naperville, IL 60566

Neal Kemp Chairman

[email protected]

• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• Our Purpose
• Our History
• Our Preamble
• Become a Member
• Criteria for Eligibility
• Additional Resources
• Membership Overview
• Division & District Themes
• Membership Awards
• Membership Forms & Reports
• More Resources
• Leadership Directory
• Past Presidents
• Member Organizational Support
• Mission Outreach
• Building Community

Americanism

Theme: ‘Patriotism, the Foundation for Building a Brighter America”

Americanism Fund

Funds donated are used to promote the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary along with jointly sponsoring the Americanism Essay contest scholarship awards with The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion.

Spirit of Youth Fund

Donations to this program are sent to National to support the National Scholarships.  One Scholarship is Awarded in each State.

Areas of Emphasis:

• Educate ourselves on our Americanism Programs and share them community wide.
• Volunteer as an Election Judge during the upcoming election cycle.
• Host a Flag Retirement Ceremony
• Promote the Americanism Essay Contest
• Promote Star Spangled Kids Programs.
• Recruit participants for The American Legion Oratorical Contest
• Promote the Citizen’s Flag Alliance
• Assist Junior Members in earning their Americanism Patch
• Recognize Citizens and Businesses in your community for properly displaying Old Glory

Available Resources:

“Let ‘s be Right Flag Etiquette“ brochure on National website

National Facebook group titled:  American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Program

National ALA webpage Americanism tab has a link to the American Legion Action Programs of Americanism brochure.

Deb Lewis  |  [email protected] | 217-898-6788

Department Awards

• Ricky’s Country Girls Plaque : to the Unit submitting the most outstanding participation promoting the Americanism program to school.
• Doris Schultz “God Bless America” Plaque : to the Unit for the best overall participation in the Americanism program
• Serve and Protect Cadet of the Year Plaque : to the outstanding cadet at American Legion Police School. The plaque and picture of the Cadet will be presented at the Youth Police School and reported during the Americanism report at Department Convention.

Personal Awards

• $10 to the runner-up to the Ricky’s Country Girls Plaque
• $10 to the runner-up of the Doris Schultz “God Bless America” plaque
• $10 to the best District Americanism program as reported in narrative form to the Department Chair by reporting deadline.
• $10 to the best participation in the National Americanism program special interest area as reported in narrative form to the Department Chair by reporting deadline.

Certificates to any Unit promoting the Star Spangled Kids.

All of the Department and personal awards must be on an awards sheet or have an awards sheet accompany a narrative and received by the deadline.

Resources from National

• Log into the National Website to Access these Items: Click Here

Helpful Weblinks

• Americanism Contest Information
• Flag Education DVD
• Let’s Be Right on Flag Etiquette
• Pocket Flag Project
• The American Legion Flag Advocacy
• The Citizen’s Flag Alliance
• American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Program Facebook Group

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Major Elements

Program schedule.

The full schedule for the 2024 session can be found at – 2024 Schedule (all days) Each day’s schedule can be found by clicking on any day below: Saturday, June 8th Sunday, June 9th Monday, June 10th Tuesday, June 11th Wednesday, June 12th Thursday, June 13th Friday, June 14th

citizenship manual

The 2024 Citizenship Manual can be found by clicking here !

cafeteria menu

The cafeteria menu can be found – here . For those with special dietary needs, contact Chris Wojtysiak by – clicking here .

To view an interactive map of Eastern Illinois University –  click here .  For ease of use on some devices, a non-interactive map is available – here .

Photo Journal

At some point throughout the week, you’ll see someone taking pictures of various events.  That’s Gabe Grant, the staff photographer.  He keeps a visual record of what happens during the session.  Sometimes he’s at scheduled events, sometimes it’s some people tossing a frisbee on the quad.  At various times throughout the week, the Experience page will be updated in the rolling feed below with a few highlight pictures, however the entire repository can be viewed – here .

Recreation & Intramurals

The recreation and intramural information can be found by clicking here .

Health Services

Boys State staff will help students access any necessary medical care at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Charleston walk-in clinic or the Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital ER. More information may be found by – clicking here .

Boys State Store

The Boys State Store has many items available during meal times to help remember your time spent in Charleston. The list of items available can be found by clicking here .

Samsung Scholarship

Each Boys State and Girls State selects one delegate as a national finalist, who is awarded a $1,250 scholarship. Each state winner is submitted for judging as part of the national competition for a $10,000 scholarship. Scholarships are made possible by an endowment established by the Samsung Corporation in 1996. Click here for the application.

THE SAMSUNG SCHOLARSHIP ONLINE APPLICATION (INCLUDING SCHOOL RECORDS) MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT BOYS STATE.

Essay Contest

The Hayes Kennedy Scholarship is a $2,000 award given annually to the citizen who presents the best original essay on a selected topic related to the Constitution of the United States or the Illinois Constitution. All contestants are required to submit their essay electronically. They can be worked on before the session, but that is not required. Click here for more information.

Speech Contest

The Commander’s Scholarship is a $2,000 scholarship awarded annually to the citizen who prepared the best original four to six-minute oration on a selected topic about Abraham Lincoln. The final decision will be based on the customary oratorical contest points of content, organization, and delivery. Click here for more information.

Details of the Program

Hover or tap on the boxes to learn more

Students are expected to arrive from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Check-in will take place in Taylor Hall, located at 2121 4th Street, Charleston, IL 61920. To request a late check-in, please email our registrar at [email protected] .

Students attend the final general assembly on Friday morning. The session ends at approximately 11:30 AM and students are free to leave at this time. While parents are welcome to watch the final assembly from the back rows of the Dvorak Concert Hall in Doudna Fine Arts Center, students will need to return to their residence halls following the assembly to collect their belongings. If students arrived by bus they should plan to return by bus, being picked up in the same location as drop off immediately following the final assembly. A free sack lunch is available for the trip home.

After browsing our website if you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us .

Click on the PayPal Donate button below to support our program. To sponsor a full registration fee for one citizen donate $400 on the next screen.

THE AMERICAN LEGION was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.

2720 East Lincoln Street Bloomington, IL 61704

Phone 309-663-0361 Fax 309-663-5783

Lawson Hall 2151 4th Street Charleston, IL 61920

[email protected]

Start typing and press Enter to search

COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Community Service
• Disaster Relief
• Legion Riders
• Public Relations
• Religious Emphasis
• Sons of American Legion Liaison
• State Fair/Veterans Day
• Legislative Commission
• Flag Alliance

VETERANS SERVICES

• Veterans Employment & Education Commission
• Gifts to the Yanks who Gave
• Hospital Services
• National Cemetery/Monument (cem.va.gov)
• Poppy Sales/Production
• Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
• Veterans Assistance Liaison
• Veterans’ Home Advisory

YOUTH & FAMILY

• Americanism Commission
• American Legion Baseball
• Boy Scout Committee
• Children & Youth

Premier Boys State

• Safety Law & Order
• Education Scholarships/Awards
• Temporary Financial Assistance

SUPPORT THE TROOPS

• National Security
• Internal Affairs
• JOIN THE AMERICAN LEGION
• Member Benefits (legion.org)
• District/Division Map
• Leadership Manual
• Illinois District Officers Guide
• Manuals & Publications (legion.org)
• Membership Promotion Form

REPORTS & FORMS

• Membership Awards
• Membership Report
• Consolidated Post Report
• Membership Forms & Schedules
• Certification, Chairman & Convention Forms
• Post Administrative Forms
• Calendar of Events
• Division/District Meeting Dates
• Department Convention
• National Convention
• Centennial Celebration
• Department News

Department Newsletter

• National News

INFORMATION

• Post Locator
• Scholarships
• Veterans Links
• Veterans Services
• Emblem Sales
• Military License Plate Decals
• Jobs in Illinois
• Commanders & Officers
• Past Department Commanders

We Provide Community & Support to America's Veterans

Join over 1.3m fellow veterans who answered the call to serve their country just like you. be part of an organization enriching lives and making a difference in their communities..

Oratorical Contest & Scholarship

Education & Scholarship

GET EDUCATED

Scout Scholarship

Samsung Award

Baseball Scholarship

Chaplain's Cross/Star of David Award

POPPY PRODUCTION & SALES

BE A LEADER

Illini Girls State

Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Academy

Department Community Service Award

Post Newsletter / Scrapbook Awards

SPREAD THE WORD

Hall Of Fame Award

Member benefits.

• Veterans representation with the VA
• Disaster relief
• Veterans services
• Opportunities to continue serving veterans
• Auto rental discounts
• Financial & Insurance
• Medical discounts
• Moving & relocation discounts
• Travel & Vacation discounts
• ...and more!

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Top 100 Veterans Day Military Deals and Discounts for 2024

www.militarymoney.com

2 weeks ago

American Legion National Leadership Team Visits Danville

nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com

File your 990

A reminder that posts must file their 990 by the November 15 deadline.  The November 15 deadline is for the extended due date for those that asked for or missed the May 15 deadline. Whatever your situation is, it is worth a reminder to assure you do not jeopardize your tax exempt status. If your post revenue qualifies, you May file a 990n directly on the IRS website.  It is simple and direct.  If you require a more involved 990 due to revenue threshold, your accountant likely is already taking care of it or can at little to no additional cost.  Check with your accountant and be informed.

Eagle Project to Benefit Department Headquarters

Keegan Grosse of BSA Troop 2007 of Normal, IL. is working on his Eagle Scout project to benefit the American Legion Illinois Headquarters. For more information and if you would like to make a donation follow this link.   EAGLE PROJECT

Fall Committee Meetings Schedule

Most of the committees met on September 28th and October 5th.  Consolidated Committee Reports.  Link is updated as committee chairs submit their report to Department Adjutant.

Link to a consolidated committee report. Fall Reports

Children & Youth Daily Winner  

WINNER LINK  (updated on Mondays {holidays / office schedules}) Every day in 2024, we will pull a number.  If your number is pulled, you WIN the amount of cash listed for that day. Numbers go BACK IN so you can win again ( and again AND AGAIN!) There is no limit to the amount of times you can win. All winners will be posted here weekly on Mondays. All winnings will be mailed! Calendar schedule of amounts in slider below. For questions/additional information, Call: 815-520-4643 or Email: [email protected] Past completed Month(s) link, OCT ,  SEP ,  AUG ,  JUL ,  JUN ,  MAY ,  APR ,   MAR ,  FEB ,  JAN

The current and past newsletters are on the website.  The newsletter keeps you up to date on meeting dates, activities, and events around the state.  You may go direct under the tab News & Events or follow the link. Department Newsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Add to Timely Calendar
• Add to Google
• Add to Outlook
• Add to Apple Calendar
• Add to other calendar
• Export to XML

We are here to help! Our veteran services provide gifts, assistance, technology, rehabilitation and more to our Legionnaires. We take care of our veterans and provide opportunities for you to support fellow veterans as well.

ALA Americanism Essay Contest: Stimulating students’ patriotism through writing

• Celebration

ALA Mission Statement

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2024 American Legion Auxiliary

Americanism Essay Winners

2023-2024 Winners

Looking for ALA Member Resources?

ALA templates, operations guides, manuals, program action plans, handbooks, bylaws, toolkits and more are available to ALA Members on our Member Portal. (log-in required)

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2024 American Legion Auxiliary

Donate to the National Emergency Fund for hurricane relief.

• Mylegion.org
• Shop Online
• Find a Post

Scholarships

Samsung american legion scholarship, legacy scholarship, baseball scholarship, oratorical contest, eagle scout of the year, junior shooting sports scholarship, anavicus scholarships, claim your funds.