Essay competition offers chance at $5,000

BATTLE GROUND — Area high school students in grades nine through 12 are invited to participate in an essay-writing competition. Students submitting essays may attend public, private or home-school environments. Held locally by the Fort Vancouver chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Knight Essay competition asks students to pen an 800-word essay that discusses subjects dealing with an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence or framing of the U.S. Constitution. “With the COVID-19 virus, all students are spending more time online for educational and research activities,” said Tom Boardman, education chairman with the Fort Vancouver chapter Sons of the American Revolution. “The (Sons of the American Revolution) Knight Essay competition is an excellent opportunity for tomorrow’s citizens to discuss topics relevant to our nation’s history at an important time and to earn valuable scholarships for use beyond high school. The essays can earn them valuable cash awards, and possibly augment timely subjects they’re studying in school as well.” The chapter will select a winning essay from the community, then forward it to state and national levels, where the winner can earn up to $5,000. Rules and more details of the Knight Essay are displayed on washingtonsar.org, under Youth Programs. Entries are due by emailing tomboardman@comcast.net no later than Dec. 30.