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 receives $1,500.  Other winners receive $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. Prizes may be awarded to students winning at local and regional levels of competition.


Find a Sponsor:
Find the branch closest to you in the drop down list and click "select" to see the address. This is where you will send your completed essay and cover sheet.


Please Read:

Please promote the essay contest in your area!

Download the flyer 2024-2025 from the link below (you can fill out the contact information on your computer before you print it!) and post it proudly wherever appropriate--high schools, on-base education offices, commissaries, exchanges, on-base community centers, etc.--to get the word out (you may need permission to post in some locations).

Essay Contest Poster 2024-2025

Essay Cover Sheet 2024-2025

Essay Rules 2024-2025

Congratulations to the 2023–2024 FRA Americanism Essay Contest Winners!

OVERALL WINNER: AMMARA SARWAR, Branch 214, NE/NENG Region

Grade 7 Winners
1st place: Jasen Ajello                    Branch 226, Northeast New England Region  
7th_Grade_1st_ Jasen Ajello
2nd place: Makayla Marcel             Branch 101, West Cost Region
3rd place: Izabella Wynn;               Branch 015, Southeast Region

Grade 8 Winners
1st Place: Adeline Maynes            Branch 097, Northwest Region  
8th_Grade_1st_Adeline Mayness
2nd Place: Genevieve Miranda     Branch 070, Southwest  Region 
3rd Place: Victoria Senyo              Branch 024, East Coast Region

Grade 9 Winners
1st Place: Caleb Wilhelm              Branch 298, North Central  Region
9th_Grade_1st_Caleb Withelm
2nd Place: Katherine Labao         Branch 302, Southwest Region 
3rd Place: Collins Murphy            Branch 264, South Central Region

Grade 10 Winners
1st Place: Alexander Zhang         Branch 230, West Cost Region 
10th_Grade_1st_Alexander Zhang
2nd Place: Michael Meng             Branch 124, Northeast New England Region 
3rd Place: Adrian Orellana           Branch 208, East Coast Region

Grade 11 Winners
1st Place: Conner Stevens           Branch 223, North Central Region
11th_Grade_1st_Conner Stevens
2nd Place: Luke Ruiz                    Branch 101, West Cost Region 

3
rd Place: Lillian Commeree         Branch 174, Northwest Region

Grade 12 Winners
1st Place: Ammara Sarwar           Branch 214, Northeast New England Region
12th_Grade_1st_Amara Sarwar
2nd Place: Chloe Havener            Branch 055, Northwest Region 
3rd Place: Annikka Fetro               Branch 101, West Cost Region