Elks Americanism Essay Contest Open to Local Students
Published 1:30 am Thursday, September 11, 2025
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America is once again sponsoring its annual Americanism Essay Contest, open to students in grades 5 through 8.
This year’s theme is: “What does service to your country mean to you?”
Students are invited to submit essays of no more than 300 words, typed or neatly printed in ink, to the local Elks Lodge on or before Dec. 15, 2025. Essays must include the student’s name, grade, school, and sponsoring Elks Lodge.
Entries will first be judged at the local level before advancing. Winners at the national level will receive both plaques and monetary awards:
1st place – $1,000
2nd place – $500
3rd place – $250
Awards will be given in each grade category, and national winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session in Chicago, IL, in July 2026.
“This contest is vitally important to Elks as it promotes Americanism in our local communities,” said Mark Eaton, Administrator of the Americanism Essay Contest. “It encourages 10- to 13-year-old students to consider American values and appreciate the blessings and responsibilities of citizenship.”
Applications are available at Forks Middle School and the Forks Forum office. For more information, call 360-374-3311.
