LAPEER — Lapeer-area students have the opportunity to express their views on patriotism and showcase their writing skills by entering the 2021-2022 Elks Americanism Essay Contest.
The theme of this year’s contest is “What does it mean to love your country?”
The contest starts with the local Lapeer Area Elks Lodge No. 2567, progresses through district and state levels, and ends with the naming of national winners at the Grand Lodge Session in Atlanta in July 2022.
Nationally, first-place, second-place, and third-place winners in each division will receive bronze plaques. Cash prizes of $50 (first place), $25 (second place) and $10 (third place) are awarded at the local level.
Writing will be judged on originality, development of theme, and mechanics and neatness in two divisions: one for fifth and sixth grades, and one for seventh and eighth grades. The top three essays in each division as chosen by the Lapeer Area Elks Americanism Essay Committee will represent the local area in the district-level competition.
Essays may not exceed 300 words and must be typed or printed legibly in ink. Participants must be identified by name, grade, school attending, and sponsoring Elks Lodge on the essay.
As written (or typed) by the entrant, essays must be submitted for judging to the Lapeer Area Elks Lodge no later than Dec. 15. For further information, contact the Lodge at 810-664-3216.
The Lapeer Area Elks Lodge is located on 200 E. Nepessing St. across from Rotary Park.