This contest was originally named in honor of SAR Compatriot President Calvin Coolidge who won an SAR essay contest while a student at Amherst. The contest was reestablished in 1988 by Compatriot McCarthy DeMere. In 1995, the contest was renamed the George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest in honor of their generous gift to the SAR to support this contest. The contest is designed to give high school students an opportunity to explore events that shaped American History.
This contest is open to all high school sophomore, juniors, and seniors. It is ideal for students who do not feel comfortable giving an oration but who can write what they think is going to happen to this country in the future.
The essay must be original, in English, typewritten, double spaced and must have a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 750 words excluding the title page, footnotes, bibliography and biography. The topic is announced annually. Consult the advisor listed below for specific details.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities.
Entry deadline:
Entries must be submitted to the Chapter with a deadline of Postmark of December 31.
National Society:
- First Place: $2,000; a winning recognition certificate and medal; airfare and one night hotel stay for the winner and one chaperone at the SAR Annual Congress (in Atlanta, GA, July, 2009)
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $500
Kansas Society:
- First Place: $500.00 cash award; a winning recognition certificate and medal; meals for winner and one chaperone at the KSSSAR Annual Conference in Topeka, KS, March 21, 2009. Winner must attend luncheon to read essay as a condition of receiving cash award
- Second Place: $175.00 cash award; certificate and medal
- Third Place: $100.00 cash award; certificate and medal
State Chapters:
- Awards vary chapter to chapter
Douglas Brady
272 North Ward Parkway
Haysville, Kansas 67060
316.522.9018
Knight Essay Contest