George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
Offered by National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
About this scholarship
The George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest invites students in grades 9 through 12 to research and write about the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the U.S. Constitution. Students in public, private, parochial, and accredited home schools may enter if they are U.S. citizens or legal aliens. The contest begins through a participating local Sons of the American Revolution chapter, advances to a state society, and then reaches the national round. National awards are $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, $2,000 for third, and $500 each for fourth and fifth; chapter and state awards vary. First place also includes a medal, certificate, and up to $500 toward travel plus a one-night hotel stay for the winner and a chaperone at the SAR Congress. The essay must be an original, historically accurate work of 800 to 1,200 words, submitted as a PDF, with a separate title page, bibliography, and one-page biography. At least five references are required, including three published works, and citations must follow a recognized style. Each student may submit only one entry per cycle, and a national first-place winner cannot enter again. Local deadlines vary, so entrants must use the official contact list; a December 31 Judge-at-Large route applies only where the state-level society does not participate.
Eligibility
- Be enrolled in grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 during the contest year
- Attend a public, private, parochial, or accredited home school
- Be a United States citizen or legal alien
- Submit only one original essay during the contest year
- Write 800 to 1,200 words on an approved American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or Constitution topic
- Use at least five references, including at least three published works, with a recognized citation system
- Include the required separate title page, essay, bibliography, and one-page biography in PDF format
- Enter through the appropriate SAR chapter, state society, or authorized Judge-at-Large route by the applicable deadline