americanism essay 2023

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.

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.

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Americanism Essay Contest Winners for 2022-2023

Apr 5, 2023 | Americanism , In The News

Each year the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks nationally through their Americanism Committees hold an Essay contest for 5 th   – 8 th   grade students. Each state including the Connecticut Elk’s Association use the same theme for judging purposes. Each year we decide on a new theme, this year’s theme being “What is your American Dream? “This patriotic contest gives school children an opportunity to express their pride in America. Fostering our youth’s appreciation and respect for patriotism is central to understanding our country’s heritage. Elk’s all across the country enthusiastically endorse this program because patriotism is one of the Elk’s cornerstones. Many thanks go out to all the students, parents, guardians and teachers that allow this essay to take place each year.

This year’s submissions were excellent and certainly made the job of judging quite difficult. We enjoyed reading all the essays and appreciate all the hard work that went into them. We are extremely proud of all the contestants.

Division One   Grade 5

1 st place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin) District Chairman Denise Johnson Dominic L.

2 nd place (Danbury Lodge: Chairman Lisa Knapp)                   District Chairman William Russell Hayden J.

3 rd place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)     District Chairman Denise Johnson Xiomara D.

  Division Two Grade 6

1 st place (New Britain Lodge : Chairman Mark Prunin)  District Chairman Denise Johnson Leah B.

2 nd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons) District chairman Lawrence Bowden Kayleigh R.

3 rd place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo) District Chairman William Russell Lena L.

Division Three Grade 7

1 st place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin) District Chairman Denise Johnson Aiyana B.

2 nd place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo) District Chairman William Russell Victoria B.

3 rd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons) District chairman Lawrence Bowden Addison K.

Division Four Grade 8

1 st place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo) District Chairman William Russell Calleigh G.

2 nd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons ) District chairman Lawrence Bowden Sarah S.

3 rd place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)     District Chairman Denise Johnson Daniel V.

Congragulations to all the winners!

Art Brault, PDD Americanism State Chairman

Latest Updates

• Hoop Shoot Program Update
• About Our Flag Challenge
• Next PER Association Meeting – May 6th
• Americanism Essay Contest Winners For 2023-2024
• Team Connecticut At The New England Regional Hoop Shoot

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Americanism

What is the AMVETS Americanism Program?

The AMVETS Americanism Program is a patriotic program the organization offers schools and youth organizations as a resource for teaching children in kindergarten through 12th grade about their American heritage, civics and citizenship. The program includes flag drawing, poster and essay contests that are grade specific and age appropriate.

Who is eligible? All school age children, K-12. They may attend public, private, parochial schools or may be home schooled. Participants may also come through any youth group such as Scouting or from Church Sunday schools. Students in kindergarten–1st grade can enter the Flag Drawing contest. Students in 2nd–5th grades can enter the Poster contest. Students in 6th–12th grades can enter the Essay Writing contest

How does a child or young adult participate? Teachers or youth group leaders hopefully will take the initiative to involve their students. The program addresses learning standards in civics and presents excellent topics for writing and art assignments, which teachers can incorporate into their classes.Teachers may also contact a local AMVETS post or department to invite veterans to visit their classes. Students whose teachers or schools are not participating in the program can still enter the contest specific to their grade as a take-home or after-school project. Parents may contact a local AMVETS post or department, on behalf of their children, to submit entries or contact the AMVETS National Programs Department at 301-683-4031.

How do I enter? Entry forms (PDF files) with contest rules, including t he “themes” can be downloaded by clicking on the following link: Americanism Contest Packet  – PDF file (1.23 MB)

Future Themes:

2023-2024: “Why is it Important to Vote?” 

2023 Winners  K-12th :

Posters                                                                      Essays  

Kindergarten

1st place- Avacyn Kuehl   WI  45

2nd place- Jonathan Simmon  ID 01

1st place- Kimber Ware   WA 01

2nd place- Murdoch Klinedinst   PA 274

1st place- Elizabeth Taylor   Dept of TN

2nd place- Ruby Stroh           ND 20

1st place- Brileigh Wolff            ND 20

2nd place- Tymofii Haikevych   MA 12

1st place- Blake Hoffman   PA 274

2nd place- Julia Stauss        NE 15

1st place- Elizabeth Behm     MI 23

2nd place- Gavin M. Gehres  OH 1991

1st place – Aries Vanover       CA 1996

2nd place – Madison Hoyle    NE 15

7th Grade  

1st place – Ellie Altringer  ND 20

2nd place – Benjamin Wu   Dept. of  WA

1st place- Issaron Lewis-Hunt  NE 4

2nd place- Elyse Day   OH 9

1st place- Kendra Pritzl   WI 50

2nd place-  Alexandria Constance Helbing    PA  189

1st  place- Eric Lundy      IL  268

2nd place- Danni Diamond    WI   50

1st place     Ashley Fundersol     TN 75

2nd place    Hunter Griffith         ND 20

AEL Collegiate Essay Contest

About the scholarship, eligibility and requirements, submission guidelines.

• 2023 Award Recipients
• 2022 Award Recipients
• 2021 Award Recipients
• 2020 Award Recipients
• 2019 Award Recipients

Award Amount

Each year, an award in the amount of $2,500 is issued for the best submission.

For any questions, contact  [email protected] . 

Pepperdine Libraries is pleased to facilitate an annual essay contest for U.S. college students. Americanism Educational Leaders, which supports this scholarship, strives to provide students with opportunities to discover, understand, and appreciate some aspect of the American experience. Stay tuned for the details on the 2024 scholarship.

The eligibility requirements are as follows: 

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a current undergraduate college or university student in an accredited four-year U.S. college or university . Incoming first-year students (i.e., high school seniors) and college students who graduate the year of the competition are eligible to apply. 

Essay Guidelines

Since this is an academic paper, cited sources are expected. You may use MLA  or  Chicago  formatting.

The essay length is a minimum of 5 pages and a maximum of 8 pages (approximately 1,500-2,000 words), using a standard font set to 12-point with double-spacing and 1-inch margins.  

A bibliography does not count towards or against the page length requirement.

Essays will be judged on the following criteria: 

1. Is there a clear thesis statement?

2. Does the essay body support the thesis?

3. Does the author support major claims with proper citation?

4. Does the author address the essay prompt?

5. Was a variety of authoritative sources used?

6. Literary style and grammar.

Submission Instructions

• Applications will only be accepted via a Google Form. Prospective applicants will need to sign into a Google account to access the application. Don't have a Google account? Sign up for free here: https://accounts.google.com/Signup . 
• Complete applications must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. 
• Essays will only be accepted in PDF format, attached to application. Do not include your name within the document. Name the file using your application ID, which is your phone number without spaces, hyphens, or parentheses (ex., "3105551234.pdf").
• Failure to follow these requirements will result in disqualification.
• Next: 2023 Award Recipients >>
• Last Updated: Feb 19, 2024 2:36 PM
• URL: https://infoguides.pepperdine.edu/AEL

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8th Grade Ms. Mitaali Chopra 1st Place Branch

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9th Grade Mr. Lawson Watt ​ ​1st Place Branch

​3rd Place East Coast Region 

Americanism Essay Contest For Grades 7–12 ​ FRA sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and Patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA's Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7 through 12, including those who are home schooled.  Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the December 1st deadline.  Local winners are forwarded for competition at the regional level and regional winners compete for national prizes.   ​ The grand national winner will receive $1,500, with additional prizes for the top three essays in each grade category ($1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place).  Each national winner will receive an attractive plaque citing his/her achievement, and every entrant judged at the national level receives a certificate of recognition. Additional prizes may be awarded to students winning at local and regional levels of competition.

11th Grade Ms. Alaina Bowie 1st Place Branch ​

"2023-2024 Americanism & Patriotism Essay Contest"

Left-to-Right: Americanism/Patriotism Chairman PNC Paul Gunther, Mitaali Chopra, Alaina Bowie, Lawson Watt, and Branch President Randy Phillipp.

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Guest Essay

The West Doesn’t Understand How Much Russia Has Changed

By Alexander Gabuev

Mr. Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, wrote from Berlin.

Vladimir Putin’s trip to Beijing this week, where he will meet with Xi Jinping and top Chinese officials, is another clear demonstration of the current closeness between Russia and China.

Yet many in the West still want to believe that their alliance is an aberration, driven by Mr. Putin’s emotional anti-Americanism and his toxic fixation on Ukraine. Once Mr. Putin and his dark obsessions are out of the picture, the thinking goes , Moscow will seek to rebuild ties with the West — not least because the bonds between Russia and China are shallow, while the country has centuries of economic and cultural dependence on Europe.

This wishful view, however appealing, overlooks the transformation of Russia’s economy and society. Never since the fall of the Soviet Union has Russia been so distant from Europe, and never in its entire history has it been so entwined with China. The truth is that after two years of war in Ukraine and painful Western sanctions, it’s not just Mr. Putin who needs China — Russia does, too.

China has emerged as Russia’s single most important partner, providing a lifeline not only for Mr. Putin’s war machine but also for the entire embattled economy. In 2023, Russia’s trade with China hit a record $240.1 billion, up by more than 60 percent from prewar levels, as China accounted for 30 percent of Russia’s exports and nearly 40 percent of its imports.

Before the war, Russia’s trade with the European Union was double that with China; now it’s less than half. The Chinese yuan, not the dollar or the euro, is now the main currency used for trade between the two countries, making it the most traded currency on the Moscow stock exchange and the go-to instrument for savings.

This economic dependence is filtering into everyday life. Chinese products are ubiquitous and over half of the million cars sold in Russia last year were made in China. Tellingly, the top six foreign car brands in Russia are now all Chinese, thanks to the exodus of once dominant Western companies. It’s a similar story in the smartphone market, where China’s Xiaomi and Tecno have eclipsed Apple and Samsung, and with home appliances and many other everyday items.

These shifts are tectonic. Even in czarist times, Russia shipped its commodities to Europe and relied on imports from the West of manufactured goods. Russia’s oligarchs, blacklisted by most Western countries, have had to adapt to the new reality. Last month, the businessman Vladimir Potanin, whose fortune is estimated at $23.7 billion, announced that his copper and nickel empire would reorient toward China, including by moving production facilities into the country. “If we’re more integrated into the Chinese economy,” he said, “we’ll be more protected.”

From the economy, education follows. Members of the Russian elite are scrambling to find Mandarin tutors for their kids, and some of my Russian contacts are thinking about sending their children to universities in Hong Kong or mainland China now that Western universities are much harder to reach. This development is more than anecdotal. Last year, as China opened up after the pandemic, 12,000 Russian students went to study there — nearly four times as many than to the United States.

This reorientation from West to East is also visible among the middle class, most notably in travel. There are now, for example, five flights a day connecting Moscow and Beijing in under eight hours, with a return ticket costing about $500. By contrast, getting to Berlin — one of many frequent European weekend destinations for middle-class Russians before the war — can now take an entire day and cost up to twice as much.

What’s more, European cities are being replaced as Russian tourist destinations by Dubai, Baku in Azerbaijan and Istanbul, while business trips are increasingly to China, Central Asia or the Gulf . Locked out of much of the West, which scrapped direct flights to Russia and significantly reduced the availability of visas for Russians, middle-class Russians are going elsewhere.

Intellectuals are turning toward China, too. Russian scientists are beginning to work with and for Chinese companies, especially in fields such as space exploration, artificial intelligence and biotech . Chinese cultural influence is also growing inside Russia. With Western writers like Stephen King and Neil Gaiman withdrawing the rights to publish their work in Russia, publishers are expanding their rosters of Chinese works. Supported by lavish grants for translators from the Chinese government, this effort is set to bring about a boom in Chinese books.

Chinese culture will not replace Western culture as Russians’ main reference point any time soon. But a profound change has taken place. From the other side of the Iron Curtain, Europe was seen as a beacon of human rights, prosperity and technological development, a space that many Soviet citizens aspired to be part of.

Now a growing number of educated Russians, on top of feeling bitterness toward Europe for its punitive sanctions, see China as a technologically advanced and economically superior power to which Russia is ever more connected. With no easy way back to normal ties with the West, that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

In his dystopian novel “ Day of the Oprichnik ,” Vladimir Sorokin describes a deeply anti-Western Russia of 2028 that survives on Chinese technology while cosplaying the medieval brutality of Ivan the Terrible’s era. With every passing day, this unsettling and foresighted novel — published in 2006 as a warning to Russia about the direction of travel under Mr. Putin — reads more and more like the news.

Alexander Gabuev ( @AlexGabuev ) is the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin.

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