The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution has a long history of engaging area schools, administrators and students in Patriotic activities related to the American Revolution.
We have been in the middle to end of the annual Youth Education contests. Let the awards begin!
The competition starts at the local Cincinnati area level. Winners of the local contest are submitted to the State of Ohio competition. The ultimate competition involves participation at the National SAR level.
The Youth Education team is led by Bob Bowers.
Below is a summary of the activities of this group of dedicated SAR members who solicit contestants in area schools to participate and compete for awards, recognition and pride.
The Cincinnati Sons of the American Revolution’s Youth Education contests include:
Poster – Elementary
Brochure – Middle School
Essay – High School
Eagle Scout – High School
Oration – High School
JROTC – Enhanced Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps – High School
Outstanding Teacher of American History
A further explanation of each of the competition categories are listed below:
Poster – Elementary – at the Elementary School level each participant rendered an original poster depicting an event of the American Revolution. No photos, magazine cutouts or other such media are permitted.
Brochure – Middle School – at the Middle School level each participant submitted an 8 ½ x 11 tri-fold brochure discussing either The Articles of Confederation, The Declaration of Independence, The US Constitution, The Bill of Rights or The Federalist Papers.
High School participation includes an Essay Contest and an Eagle Scout contest.
Essay Contest – the Essay Contest requires writing a strictly formatted paper between 800 and 1200 words on a topic of their choosing including footnotes and a bibliography . Essays are judged equally on the following criteria: historical accuracy, clarity of thought, organization and proven topic, grammar and spelling, and documentation.
Eagle Scout – the Eagle Scout contest rates a Scout’s leadership qualities, community involvement, scholastics, merit badges and several other key parameters. He/she must also develop a 4-generation ancestral chart and write a short essay.
Oration Contest – Participants must write an original oration of not less than five minutes, or more than six minutes. The oration must be delivered from memory and without the use of notes or any kind of props. The subject of the oration shall deal with an event, a personality, or a document pertaining to the Revolutionary War with a mention of our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. It is essential that each oration show the relationship it bears to America today and Cash awards are granted to the winners.
JROTC – the Enhanced Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps contest is limited to members of JROTC programs that must be in the top 10% of their JROTC Unit as verified by the Senior Military Instructor and must be in the top 25% of their high school class. The Cadet must complete an original essay, of 500 to 700 words on “How JROTC has prepared me to be a better citizen of the United States of America”. The Cadet must be recommended by the high school principal and Senior Military Instructor.
American History Teacher – the American History Teacher contest requirements are so numerous and demanding that they cannot be summarized here. Let’s just say that anyone winning this contest is an extraordinary qualified individual extremely dedicated to teaching American History.
If you want to learn more, please reach out to Bob Bowers.
Also, a link to our website with current Youth Education events and information can be viewed at: https://cincinnatisar.org/contests-and-scholarships/
