300 Words Maximum
Essays may not exceed 300 words and must stay focused on the annual theme.
Bristol Lodge of Elks No. 1010
Americanism Essay Contest
Bristol Elks Lodge #1010 invites students in grades 5 through 8 to participate in the 2026–2027 Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest. The contest encourages young people to think about American values, citizenship, rights and responsibilities and to express those ideas in their own words.
2026–2027 Essay Theme
“Explain a Constitutional Right or Privilege and How It Affects You and Your Family.”
Who Can Enter?
The contest is open to students enrolled in grades 5 through 8 during the 2026–2027 school year. Each grade is judged as its own division.
| Division | Grade |
|---|---|
| Division I | 5th Grade |
| Division II | 6th Grade |
| Division III | 7th Grade |
| Division IV | 8th Grade |
Contest Rules at a Glance
Student’s Own Work
The essay must be written by the student and submitted as written or typed by the entrant.
Submit Through Bristol Elks #1010
Bristol Elks #1010 will coordinate the local submission and complete the Lodge portion of the official contest paperwork. Schools and families should contact Bill Cathcart to arrange entry pickup.
Local Submission Deadline
Entries must reach Bristol Elks Lodge #1010 on or before December 15, 2026. Schools, teachers and families should contact Americanism Chairman Bill Cathcart in advance to arrange a date for Bristol Elks #1010 to pick up completed entries.
How Essays Are Judged
The official contest uses three judging areas. Students should answer the theme clearly, stay focused and submit their best original work.
Originality
30 points
Fresh ideas and the student’s own voice.
Development of Theme
40 points
Thoughtful, focused development of the assigned theme.
Mechanics & Neatness
30 points
Spelling, grammar, punctuation and overall presentation.
National Awards
National winners are selected in each of the four grade divisions. Grand Lodge awards plaques and monetary awards to the first-, second- and third-place national winners in each division.
1st Place
$1,000 national award in each grade division.
2nd Place
$500 national award in each grade division.
3rd Place
$250 national award in each grade division.
From Bristol to the National Contest
The Americanism Essay Contest begins at the local Lodge level. Selected essays can advance through District and State judging, with State first-place winners in each division advancing to the national competition.
National winners for the 2026–2027 contest are scheduled to be recognized at the Grand Lodge Session in Denver, Colorado in July 2027.
Schools, Teachers & Families
Bristol Elks Lodge #1010 welcomes participation from local schools, teachers, homeschool families and students. When entries are ready, contact Americanism Chairman Bill Cathcart to arrange a convenient date for Bristol Elks #1010 to pick them up. The Lodge will handle the Lodge portion of the official contest submission paperwork.
Contact Our Americanism Chairman
Bill Cathcart
Americanism Chairman
Bristol Elks Lodge #1010
trustee5@elks1010.org
Official Elks Americanism Resources
Americanism Essay Contest
Review the national contest information, rules, awards and deadline.
National Contest PageArrange Local Entry Pickup
Schools, teachers and families should submit entries through Bristol Elks #1010. Contact Bill Cathcart to arrange a pickup date before the local deadline.
Arrange Entry Pickup