Maine Elks Association

Each year, the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks sponsor an Americanism Essay Contest. The 2010-2011 theme is "Why I am proud to be an American" The contest is run and judged by each subordinate Lodge. Winners are selected and are forwarded to the district, state, and national levels for futher judging.

Rules

1. Eligible participants must be Students enrolled in the 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th grades during the normal 2010-2011 school year, preceeding June 30, 2011.

    
2. Essay length is not to exceed 250 words.
3. Essay must be typed or legibly printed in ink. Also, Essay must be submitted as written (or typed) by the entrant.
4. Essay must be submitted for judging to the Elks Lodge administering the contest at his/her school, or the nearest Elks Lodge to the address of the entrant.
5. Entrant must be identified by name, home address, grade, school attended and sponsoring Elks Lodge on the Essay.
6. Entries must be submitted to the Local Lodge by January 11, 2011
7. Judging Criteria
• Originality: Avoid the use of trite or worn out words and phrases 30 pts.
• Development of theme: Stay focused on ideas and thoughts. Don't Ramble 40 pts.
• Mechanics & Neatness: Use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation 30 pts.

Awards

Prizes awarded by the Grand Lodge for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for National Winning Essays in Division I and Division II will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session in Phoenix, AZ, July 17-21, 2011 as follows:

The above awards are national awards, each State Association and Subordinate Lodge may also offer prizes at lower levels. Winners of the Maine Elks Association contest will be invited to attend the Elks State Convention in May to read their essay and receive their award.

Lodges need to send essays to the District Chairman by January 30, 2011.

Please contact your local Subordinate Lodge for more details on this program. to find your nearest Lodge in Maine, click here.

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