CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Elks Lodge #540 is participating in the Elks Americanism Essay Contest.
The contest, featuring the theme “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me” is open to students in fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades.
It encourages students to thoughtfully consider American values and appreciate the blessings and responsibilities of citizenship and express their views on the selected theme.
The Clearfield Elks will award a $50 cash prize to the selected winner in each grade. Winners will then be forwarded to the Elks District level for judging and then possibly the state and national level.
In 2023-24, Clearfield Lodge winner Jordyn Lazauskas placed first in Pennsylvania in the seventh grade division.
In 2022-23, Clearfield Lodge winners Leah Radaker (eighth grade) of Clearfield Area Jr.-Sr. High School placed first in Pennsylvania and Ellary Price (fifth grade) of DuBois Central Catholic placed second in Pennsylvania.
At the time of the contest, eligible participants must be students enrolled in fifth grade, sixth grade, seventh grade or eighth grade in Clearfield County.
Essay length is not to exceed 300 words. Essays must be typed or legibly printed in ink. Essays must be submitted as written (or typed) by the entrant.
Each essay must be accompanied by the official cover sheet. Judging criteria are as follows: Originality – 30 points, Development – 40 points, Mechanics and neatness – 30 points.
Students who would like to submit an essay should contact Susan Williams at 814-590-2475 for additional information and the essay cover sheet.
Essays must be received at the Clearfield Lodge prior to Dec. 15, 2024.