essay contest
The George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
Grades 9-12
We invite all high school students interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open to all United States Citizens and Legal Residents attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in the range of grades.
To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.
The contest is conducted in three phases: In the local chapter, in the state society, and at the national society. Contestants must enter through an SAR chapter near their residence. (In some states, the contest may be entered at the state level directly if the local society has no chapters or their chapters are not participating.)
A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring member of the society, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates vary; please contact your local chapter for assistance.
To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.
The contest is conducted in three phases: In the local chapter, in the state society, and at the national society. Contestants must enter through an SAR chapter near their residence. (In some states, the contest may be entered at the state level directly if the local society has no chapters or their chapters are not participating.)
A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant and the sponsoring member of the society, can be found below. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates vary; please contact your local chapter for assistance.
March 8, 2025: The Washington State 2024/2025 George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest has concluded, and the winner this year is Advaith Shyam - a Junior at Eastlake High School in Sammamish, WA. Please join us in congratulating Advaith on a job well done – we wish him the best of success in the SAR national-level essay contest now in progress!
Contact: Your nearest Local Chapter to get started!
Awards
LOCAL CHAPTER
Determined by each chapter. This may include cash, a medal, and/or a certificate.
WA STATE SOCIETY
1st Place $1,0002nd Place $5003rd Place: $250
NATIONAL SAR
- 1st Place: $6,000
- 2nd Place: $3,000
- 3rd Place: $2,000
- 4th Place: $500
- 5th Place: $500