The George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest (open to students in grades 9-12) is one of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution’s annual youth award/scholarship contests.
Scott Freeman presents the SAR Youth Education Essay Awards to a deserving Joel Healy a Wyoming High Junior
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.
The Oneidas – Our First Allies
This year’s Cincinnati Chapter winner Joel Healy, a junior at Wyoming High School in Wyoming, OH, placed first in the Cincinnati Chapter’s essay contest.
He then advanced to compete at the state level in the Ohio Society’s essay contest, where he also placed first, advancing to represent Ohio in the national SAR competition.
His winning essay, titled “The Oneidas: Our First Allies”, explains how the Oneida Indians loyally supported, sacrificed, and fought for the American Colonies during the war for independence.
First Nationally – On the morning of May 15th, the Cincinnati Chapter learned that Joel Healy had placed first at the national level.
The announcement of the National Award was indeed a surprise
This was fortuitous timing, as later that evening Cincinnati Chapter President Freeman was scheduled to present the Cincinnati Chapter and Ohio Society first place essay awards to Joel at the Undergraduate Academics Awards Night at Wyoming High School. So, it was possible to not only to present Joel’s first place chapter and state society awards but also announce his first-place finish nationally in front of a large audience at his school, before the news had been widely disseminated.
Scott Freeman presents the Cincinnati, State of Ohio and National SAR Essay Award Certificates
It was reported that there were 38 essays competing at the national level, all of them having placed first in their respective state society competition. To place first nationally in this highly competitive contest is a great achievement.
In addition to chapter and state cash awards already received totaling $1,300, as the national first place winner, Joel will receive a $6,000 cash award plus accommodations and expenses to attend the NSSAR National Congress in Uncasville, CT in July. The Healy family is looking forward to attending.
Congratulations to Joel, who also received the Outstanding AP United States History Award, which was presented by the Wyoming Historical Society.
Zachary Haines of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented the awards. Zachary is the Cincinnati Chapter Chairman of the essay contest.
Special thanks to Mr. Todd Siler, Joel’s Social Study teacher who informed Joel about the contest. Mr. Siler was presented a Certificate of Commendation for supporting the essay contest and encouraging the winning entry.
In addition, we would like to thank the parents and administrators for letting the CCSAR share this program with Wyoming Schools and encourage participation. This is a huge win for all involved!
Huzzah!!!
