The Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution sponsors educational contests that encourage students, teachers, Scouts and JROTC cadets to explore American history, citizenship, leadership and the principles of the American Revolution. Entries are judged first at chapter level, then at state level, and state winners advance to national competition.
Contest Deadlines
Listed in the order they fall due. Note that the Knight Essay closes on 31 December, ahead of everything else.
| Contest | Who may enter | State deadline | State awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knight Essay | Grades 9–12 | 31 December | $1,000 · $500 · $250 |
| American History Teacher | Teachers, grades 6–12 | 10 January | Two awards of $750 |
| Eagle Scout | Under age 19 | 15 January | $1,000 · $500 · $250 |
| Youth Video | Grades 6–12 | 1 February | $500 · $300 · $200 |
| High School Oration | Grades 9–12 | 31 March | $1,000 · $500 · $250 |
| Enhanced JROTC | Grade 11 | 31 March | $1,000 · $500 · $250 |
| Poster | Grades 3–5 | 1 May | $200 · $100 · $50 |
| Brochure | Grades 6–8 | 1 May | $200 · $100 · $50 |
Before You Start
- Every entry goes through a local chapter. There is no way to enter at state level directly.
- Chapter deadlines come earlier than the dates above, sometimes by several weeks, because the chapter has to judge its entries before sending a winner forward.
- Chapters set their own judging schedules and may award their own prizes.
- Chapter winners advance to the Florida Society competition; state winners advance to the National Society.
Students, parents, teachers, Scout leaders and JROTC instructors should contact their nearest chapter for the rules and the local closing date: find your local Florida SAR chapter.
The Contests
Knight Essay — grades 9–12
A researched essay on an assigned topic relating to the American Revolution or the founding of the United States. Closes 31 December, the earliest deadline of the year.
American History Teacher Award — middle and high school
Honors outstanding teachers whose approved curriculum covers the American Revolutionary era, 1750 to 1800.
Eagle Scout — under age 19
Recognizes Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated exceptional citizenship, leadership, community service and an appreciation of American heritage.
Youth Video — grades 6–12
A short video presentation demonstrating knowledge of American history and the ideals of the nation’s founding.
High School Oration — grades 9–12
A memorized speech on a historical, constitutional or patriotic topic, judged on content and on public speaking.
Enhanced JROTC — grade 11
Outstanding JROTC cadets compete on a combination of academic achievement, leadership and an essay submission.
Poster — grades 3–5
An original poster illustrating a person or an event from the American Revolution.
Brochure — grades 6–8
An informational brochure on one of America’s founding documents.
How to Enter
- Contact your local Florida SAR chapter.
- Ask for the contest rules, the local deadline and any entry forms.
- Submit your entry through the chapter.
- Chapter winners go forward to the Florida Society competition.
- State winners go forward to the National Society.
Questions
For general information about the Florida SAR youth education contests, contact the Education Outreach Committee.
Through these programs the Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution continues its work of helping the next generation understand the sacrifices, the principles and the leadership that established the United States of America.