Contest Deadline – December 1 every year
George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites high school students (grades 9–12) to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. The contest is open to U.S. citizens and legal residents attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools within the eligible grade range.
How to Participate
Students must submit an original 800–1,200 word essay focused on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal related to the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the U.S. Constitution. Essays will be judged on:
- Historical accuracy
- Clarity and organization
- Grammar and spelling
- Proper documentation
Contest Structure
The contest has three phases:
- Local Chapter Level
- State-Level Society
- National Level
Students must enter through an SAR chapter near their residence. In areas without participating chapters, students can enter at the state level by contacting the state society for assistance.
Rules & Deadlines
- Only one entry per student is allowed per contest year.
- Full rules and application forms for students and sponsoring SAR members are available below.
- Deadlines vary by location, so students should contact their local SAR chapter for details.
For more information or to find the nearest chapter, see the contact list below.
The George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest was originally established and named in honor of President Calvin Coolidge, who won a local 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 program is designed to give freshman, sophomore, junior and senior students an opportunity to explore events that shaped American history.
Conducted at the Chapter, State Society and National Society levels, the students must submit an original essay with topics based on original research and deal with an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution.
Application Form (Download)
Official NSSAR Contest Rules (Download)