pennsylvania american legion essay contest

What does the Essay Committe Do?

pennsylvania american legion essay contest

Mary Ann Elsseser

Learn more about the essay committee.

  • Essay Program

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Essay program.

Any applications for this program can be found on the  forms page .

As American Legionnaires, we fully believe that education is the cornerstone upon which the future of America is built.  Education becomes the first requisite of good citizenship and the relationship of The American Legion to Pennsylvania citizens is of prime importance as a means of keeping us a free civilization.

Our approach to supporting solid educational principles is direct and positive. We agree with the PA Department of Education’s initiative of “writing across the curriculum” and we reward the efforts of involved students through our annual essay scholarship program beginning at the local Post.

Any student  enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in a public, private, parochial, cyber school or who is home schooled in Pennsylvania is eligible to participate in the  High School Essay Contest .  Students in grades 6, 7, 8 are encouraged to participate in the  Middle School Essay Program  in preparation for the high school program.

Through the annual Department of Pennsylvania American Legion Essay scholarship contest, students are provided an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities in English by using originality, accuracy and research as evidence, while learning that the responsibilities and duties of good citizenship can be both rewarding and fun

Since the inception of the Department of Pennsylvania State Essay Contest in 1935, The American Legion has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships, while local American Legion Posts, Counties, Districts and Sections have also offered suitable awards and prizes for their respective best essay winners.

Prizes to Be Awarded

  • The Department of Pennsylvania State Essay First Place Winner will be awarded a $3,500 scholarship, a plaque, and a trip to this year’s Pennsylvania American Legion Convention in July to read the winning essay to the assembled delegates.
  • The Second Place Winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship and a plaque.
  • The Third Place Winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship and a plaque.

Contact Information

American Legion hosting annual scholarship contests

Patrick Varine

The Pennsylvania American Legion is offering its annual oratorical and essay contest scholarships for high school students.

The oratorical scholarships for students in grades 9 to 12 from the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion are $7,500 (first place), $5,000 (second place) and $4,000 (third place).

Students interested can submit an application to their local post by Dec. 7. The local post submits its winner to the 31st District in Westmoreland County after their Jan. 6, 2019, contest.

The 31st District will hold their oratorical contest on Jan. 27. The District 31 winner will compete in the Inter-District contest on Feb. 10.

Applications, rules and contest requirements are available at www.pa-legion.com, link student programs or

students may contact Jim Drnjevich, District 31 Oratorical Chairman at 724-681-4995 or [email protected].

The 2019 Pennsylvania American Legion Essay Contest Scholarships for students in grades 9 to 12 are $3,500 (first place), $3,000 (second place) and $2,500 (third place)

Students can submit their essay to their local post by Jan. 18. Local posts will submit their contest winner to the 31st District on Feb. 1. The 31st District winner is submitted to the Inter-District contest, set for Feb. 22. Applications, rules & regulations can be found at www.PA-legion.com , link student programs, or contact District 31 Essay Chairman Joe Clayton 724-875-1037 or email [email protected] .

High school counselors in Westmoreland County may also provide additional information.

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick at 724-850-2862, [email protected] or via Twitter @MurrysvilleStar.

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Americanism Essay Contest

The Auxiliary’s annual Americanism Essay Contest encourages participants to learn about the fundamental rights and freedoms we enjoy today. Each year's contest has a different theme.

pennsylvania american legion essay contest

The Americanism Essay Contest was created to teach students the value of patriotism and what it means to be Americans. Thousands of students participate in the program each year and help promote a lifelong respect of our flag and country.

Students (grades 3 to 12) explore the fundamental rights and freedoms we enjoy today. Each year’s contest has a different theme; one student in each category per division is awarded a prize. There is a category for students with special needs.

Current Essay Theme:  “What does Freedom mean to me?”

Essay Contest Awards

Grade levels are divided into six classes. One award in each of the six classes will be presented in each division. Winners will receive $50 and a $50 donation in the student’s name will be made to the Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship fund.

pennsylvania american legion essay contest

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IMAGES

  1. American Legion Essay Contest Winners

    pennsylvania american legion essay contest

  2. Saegertown sophomore wins 2022 Pennsylvania American Legion essay

    pennsylvania american legion essay contest

  3. Fillable Online Since the inception of its State Essay Contest in 1935

    pennsylvania american legion essay contest

  4. MMI Sophomore earns 3rd place at the District Level in the 2022 PA

    pennsylvania american legion essay contest

  5. American Legion Essay Contest Winners

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  6. American Legion awards essay contest winners

    pennsylvania american legion essay contest

COMMENTS

  1. PDF WHAT DOES AMERICANISM MEAN TO ME?"

    in the current American Legion Directory). If anyone has any questions or concerns about rules or procedures PLEASE Call the Essay Chairman or another Committee member listed above. "WHAT DOES AMERICANISM MEAN TO ME?" 2023 PENNSYLVANIA AMERICAN LEGION 88TH ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST FOR GRADES 9-12 The American Legion Department of Pennsylvania -2324

  2. CONTESTS

    PENNSYLVANIA AMERICAN LEGION STATE ESSAY CONTEST. 2023 POST ESSAY CONTEST . 2022 POST ESSAY CONTEST. 2021 POST ESSAY CONTEST. 2020 POST ESSAY CONTEST. ... Since the inception of its State Essay Contest in 1935, the Pennsylvania American Legion has maintained that education is the cornerstone upon which the future of this nation is built.

  3. American Legion sponsoring children's essay contest

    The Pennsylvania American Legion is sponsoring a 2023 essay contest for school children in grades 6 through 8. The subject of this year's competition is, "Can social media affect someone's ...

  4. PDF Pennsylvania American Legion Annual Essay Contest

    the Department of Pennsylvania American Legion Essay Contest, please call (717) 730­9100 or visit www.pa­legion.com . The American Legion Essay Committee Chairman: James Gallagher 709 Elgin Road Newtown Square, PA 19073 (610) 353­7371 Sectional Vice Chairmen: East: Siegfried Honig, 802 Tomlinson Road

  5. Deadline nearing for 2024 Pennsylvan­ia American Legion Essay Contest

    As is the case with the essay for high school students, entries must be between 500 and 1,000 words. Essays must be submitted to the local American Legion post by Feb. 5, 2024. Those interested in entering either contest are encouraged to review the contest brochures to ensure that they meet all requiremen­ts.

  6. Essay

    Since the inception of the Department of Pennsylvania's state Essay Contest in 1935, the American Legion has granted scholarships exceeding $500,000. Furthermore, local American Legion Posts, counties, Districts, and Sections have offered commendable awards and prizes to their respective best essay winners.

  7. Essay Contest

    Since the inception of the Department of Pennsylvania State Essay Contest in 1935, The American Legion has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships, while local American Legion Posts, Counties, Districts and Sections have also offered suitable awards and prizes for their respective best essay winners. Prizes to Be Awarded

  8. Saegertown sophomore wins 2022 Pennsylvania American Legion essay contest

    Since the inception of the Department of Pennsylvania State Essay Contest in 1935, The American Legion has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships, while local American Legion posts, counties ...

  9. PDF Pennsylvania American Legion 6th 8th Grade 2022 Essay Contest

    The Pennsylvania American Legion Essay Program, as any program conducted by The American Legion, is designed to provide balanced judging. It is suggested that at least three (3) qualified judges be used. 10. Questions on this Essay Contest can be directed to the Chairman. CRAIG WILHELM THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPT OF PA 541 NEWBERRY CT. PO BOX ...

  10. Pennsylvania American Legion Essay Contest

    Pennsylvania American Legion Essay Contest. Sponsor: American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 2324, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2324. Email This Scholarship. The deadline for this Scholarship is in 222 Days. Scholarship Amount: $2,500-$3,500. Deadline: January 9. The deadline for this Scholarship is in: 222 Days.

  11. PA American Legion Scholarships

    The Department of Pennsylvania American Legion is offering the following scholarships: Essay Contest - Open to any student in 9th - 12th grade who is enrolled in a Pennsylvania school. Essay is between 500-1000 words on a topic chosen by the committee. 1st - $3500, 2nd - $3000, and 3rd - $2500 places awarded.

  12. PDF Americanism 2023 Pennsylvania American Legion Annual Contest 88™ Essay

    Pennsylvania American Legion Essay scholarship contest, students are provided an Opportunity to show case their talents and abilities in English by using ... LEGION 88™ ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST FOR GRADES 9-12 The American Legion Department of Pennsylvania PO Box 2324 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2324 (717) 730-9100 www.pa-legion.com.

  13. American Legion hosting annual scholarship contests

    The Pennsylvania American Legion is offering its annual oratorical and essay contest scholarships for high school students. The oratorical scholarships for students in grades 9 to 12 from the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion are $7,500 (first place), $5,000 (second place) and $4,000 (third place). Students interested can submit

  14. PDF AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST 2024 Cover Sheet

    Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) sponsors an Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades 3-12, including students with special needs. Grade levels are divided into six classes. One award in each of the six classes will be presented in each division. Winners will receive $50 and a $50 donation in the student's name will be ...

  15. In the Spotlight

    Jun 2, 2024. 1 of 2. Windber teen Sarah Hamilton displays her award for winning an American Legion essay contest. With her is Kirk Moore, American Legion county commander. Submitted. WINDBER, Pa ...

  16. PDF Pennsylvania American Legion 6th 8th Grade

    The Pennsylvania American Legion Essay Program, as any program conducted by The American Legion, is designed to provide balanced judging. It is suggested that at least three (3) qualified ... 10. Questions on this Essay Contest can be directed to the Chairman. JAMES FULTON, SR. THE AMERICAN LEGION, DEPT OF PA 816 GREENFIELD AVE . PO BOX 2324 ...

  17. Annual Contest

    The contest entry period is Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Entries must be submitted electronically no later than April 15 of the following year. (For example, entries for the 2024 contest will have been published between Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2023.) There is a $5 fee per entry submission.

  18. Americanism Essay Winners

    AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST; ALA JUNIOR MEMBERS; STAR SPANGLED KIDS; VETERANS IN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS; ... SAMSUNG AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP; AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIPS; VAVS SCHOLARSHIP. ... Lauren Paxton Pennsylvania: Eastern Division: Class VI: Joshua Pelonia New York: Western Division: Class I:

  19. Department of Pennsylvania

    Department of Pennsylvania. Photos from National Commander Jim Koutz's visit to the Department of Pennsylvania. Mar 22, 2013. Photos from National Commander Jim Koutz's visit to the Department of Pennsylvania. Photos from National Commander Jim Koutz's visit to the Department of Pennsylvania.

  20. Americanism Essay Contest

    The Americanism Essay Contest was created to teach students the value of patriotism and what it means to be Americans. Thousands of students participate in the program each year and help promote a lifelong respect of our flag and country. Students (grades 3 to 12) explore the fundamental rights and freedoms we enjoy today.

  21. Legion Family Memorial Day events include 87-year ...

    The American Legion. May 30, 2024. Since 1937, North Dakota Legionnaires and Royal Canadian Legion members have exchanged their nation's flags on Memorial Day at the International Boundary in Sherwood, N.D. Not even the pandemic in 2020 brought a halt to the ceremony, and if the most recent exchange is any indication, interest in it isn't ...

  22. PDF SAMPLE TITLE PAGE

    Since the inception of the Department of Pennsylvania state Essay Contest in 1935, The American Legion has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships, while local American Legion Posts, counties, Districts and Sections have also offered suitable awards and prizes for their respective best essay winners.