Youth Contests

Sons of the American Revolution sponsors several contests for youths.  These contests encourage the study of eighteenth-century American history and are open to youths attending public and private schools as well as homeschooled students. Participation in the contests always begins at the chapter-level, with first place finishers moving on to participate in the state contests with the possibility of further advancement to the national contests.

Below appear brief descriptions of the youth contests.  Each contest has a set of strict rules and guidelines, and it is critical that participants refer to the official contest guidelines at the links provided.  

• Americanism Poster Contest:  Open to students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.  For academic years ending in an even number, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.”  For academic years ending in an odd number, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.”  Entries due to the Smallwood Chapter no later than May 1st.  For complete guidelines, visit https://www.sar.org/americanism-elementary-school-poster-contest-2/

• The Sgt. Moses Adams Memorial Middle School Brochure Contest: Open to students in the 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grades.  Participants create a tri-fold brochure about one of the five foundational documents of the United States.  These are the Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Federalist Papers, and the Bill of Rights.  Entries are due to the Smallwood Chapter no later than April 15th.  For complete guidelines, visit https://www.sar.org/sgt-moses-adams-memorial-middle-school-brochure-contest/.

• The George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest: Open to students in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.  Participants write an essay regarding an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or United States Constitution.  Entrants may want to consider turning their essay topic into an oration for the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest.  Entries are due to the Smallwood Chapter no later than December 31st.  For complete details, visit https://www.sar.org/george-s-stella-m-knight-essay-contest/.

• The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Orations Contest: Open to students in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.  Participants deliver a five-to-six-minute oration on an event, document, or person associated with the American Revolution and its relevance to the America of today.  Entrants may want to consider using their oration topic as the basis for an essay in the George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest.  Participants should express interest to the Smallwood Chapter no later than January 31st.  For complete details, visit https://www.sar.org/joseph-s-rumbaugh-historical-oration-contest/.

The Smallwood Chapter awards cash prizes for winning entries.  To submit an entry or obtain more information, please send an email to william-smallwood@mdssar.org.