Contests

Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest

Open to Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and have not reached their nineteenth birthday during the contest year. Applicants submit:

• A Chapter-level application (local entry moves to state, then national stages),

• A four‑generation ancestor chart,

• A 500‑word patriotic-themed essay.

Awards at the National level include:

• 1st Place: $10,000

• 2nd Place: $6,000

• 3rd Place: $4,000

• 4th–5th: $2,000–$1,000

• 6th–10th: $500

• 11th–15th: $200

Winners are typically recognized at the SAR Annual Congress, with travel/lodging provided. Awards may be delivered as cash or scholarships. A single Eagle Scout may enter multiple years within the age eligibility, but may not receive more than $10,000 total.

SAR C.A.R. Essay Contest (Children of the American Revolution)

Targeted to C.A.R. members (ages up to ~21), this scholarship contest requires an original essay on a designated Revolutionary-era topic, including at least five references (minimum three published sources). Features include:

• 800–1,200 words, typed, double-spaced, with strict formatting rules (no contestant info in essay pages).

• The application includes an essay, a title page, a bibliography, a letter of support, and parental consent as required.

State-level awards in Texas, for example, range from $150 to $3,500. Judging criteria include historical accuracy, organization, clarity, grammar, and documentation.

SAR Essay Contest (Knight Essay Contest)

Open to high school students (grades 9–12). Students submit an 800–1,200-word essay on a Revolutionary War–related topic (event, philosophy, person, etc.). Essays are judged on:

• Historical accuracy

• Clarity and organization

• Grammar and spelling

• Proper documentation

This contest begins at the chapter level and progresses through state and national rounds, with top entries advancing to the national SAR Congress.

Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest

Also open to high school students (grades 9–12). Contestants prepare and deliver from memory a 5–6-minute speech on a topic related to the Revolutionary era, showing its relevance today. Judging focuses on:

• Composition and delivery

• Historical research and accuracy

• Creativity and relevance

Students must submit the manuscript in advance and then deliver the speech without notes. Like other contests, it progresses from chapter → state, → national levels.

SAR Poster Contest

This contest is for elementary students (grades 3–5). Students create a poster focused on a selected theme, such as “Revolutionary War Events” (even years) or “Founding Figures” (odd years).

• Open to public, private, home-school, or C.A.R. members in the appropriate grades.

• Each participating chapter selects winners to advance to state and, ultimately, national competition.

• Judging emphasizes artistic design, historical theme alignment, creativity, and accuracy.

SAR ROTC/JROTC Recognition Program

Cadets in ROTC or JROTC may be honored with SAR recognition at the chapter, state, or national levels:

• The Bronze ROTC Medal—presented to one cadet per academic year per unit, based on leadership qualities.

• The Enhanced (Outstanding) JROTC Cadet Award—an essay-based competition (500–700 words) for high school juniors, nominated by instructors and supported by the principal’s recommendation and GPA verification. Awards may include scholarships and recognition at chapter/state events.