American Legion Essay Contest challenges students to offer ideas for improving government

Students in grades 7 through 12 are invited to write essays explaining “How would I improve our form of government?” for the 2014 Americanism Essay Contest sponsored by the American Legion organization in Illinois. 

Deadline for entries is February 7, 2014.  The essay contest is a statewide competition, but students enter through their local American Legion organization. The American Legion Auxiliary in La Grange has sponsored the Americanism Essay Contest since 1964 and invites students to submit essays to them at:  Americanism Essay Contest; Robert E Coulter, Jr, Unit 1941; 900 South La Grange Road; La Grange, IL 60525.  Complete rules for the contest can be found on the Auxiliary’s website at: http://auxiliary.al1941.org/our-programs.html

Students will compete in one of three categories with other students at their grade level. Monetary prizes will be awarded for the best essays in both the local and state contests, with a top prize of $1,200 going to the first place winner in the state.

For more information about the essay contest, contact Americanism chairperson Anastasia Kwit at usa@auxiliary.al1941.org