LAU students in grades 7-12 are invited to take part in the Fleet Reserve Association’s annual Americanism Essay Contest!

Here’s the description from the FRA website:

“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 $5,000, with additional prizes for the top three essays in each grade category ($2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $1,000 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.”

This year’s theme is “What Freedom of Speech Means to Me.” We anticipate some very interesting essays and look forward to reading them! Last year one of the Utah entries won nationally—it was very exciting. You can review the contest rules here, download the cover sheet template here, and read last year’s winning essay here.

Remember, the contest is for students in grades 7 through 12 and the essays are due December 1st. Also, the cover page is extremely important, so don’t forget to include one! You can email your essay and cover sheet to Tiffanyanne Gregory, and let her know if you have any other questions about the contest.