Local Mason Middle School Student Places 1st in Cincinnati & 1st in Ohio SAR Brochure Contest
On Tuesday, April 23rd two members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution visited the Mason Middle School to present the 1st Place Certificate to 8th Grade Student Varun S. Ashok.
Presenting the award from left to right – Mr. Adam Ring from the Mason Middle school; Gregg Ballman, CCSAR in Colonial Militia uniform; Varun S. Ashok, 1st place winner; his teacher Mrs. Christine Underwood and Michael Gunn, in 1st Virginia Light Dragoon Rev. War uniform.
Mr. Ashok entered his Brochure in the Cincinnati Chapters Youth Education Contest.
The Winning Brochure of Varun Ashok
In addition, as a result of the Cincinnati Chapter 1st place Brochure result, Mr. Ashok’s Brochure was submitted to the Ohio State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (OHSSAR).
SAR Certificate Awarded to Varun Ashok
We are proud to share that in May 2024, Mr. Ashok’s entry was awarded first place in the State level. From there this Brochure submission will be sent to the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for that competition. We will update you on the results of that contest.
Mr. Ashok received a certificate for the award, as well as a check and an Honorary Lieutenant Rank in the Continental Army, signed by John Hancock.
Honorary Lieutenant Rank granted to Varun Ashok
Note that for the Cincinnati brochure contest, there were fifty-three brochures submitted by children from five area schools.
Mike Gunn and Gregg Ballman represented the Cincinnati SAR organization and presented the awards to Varun at his school on Tuesday April 23rd. They were both in uniforms worn by their patriot ancestors during the American Revolution.
Note that members of the Sons of the American Revolution are direct lineal ancestors of patriots of the American Revolution.
Congratulations to Varun Ashok for his fine effort and contribution!
Want to learn more about SAR Youth Education contests?
Background about the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution’s Youth Education contests:
Contests include:
- Poster – Elementary School
- 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
Some more details about each of the contests:
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 / contests include:
- Essay contest
- Eagle Scout contest
- Oration contest
- JROTC 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.
This next award can be awarded to any level K-12 teacher:
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.
You can get more information about the Sons of the American Revolution – Cincinnati Chapter at:
https://cincinnatisar.org/contests-and-scholarships/
