Youth Programs
American Elementary School PosterThis contest is open to students in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade, depending on when the American Revolution is taught in their school system. This includes public, private, parochial, charter and home schooled students. The contest is also open to members of the C.A.R., Cub Scouts and Brownies who are in the same grade if their school does not participate. Judging is based upon portrayal of the theme, originality, evidence of research, neatness, artistic merit and creativity. The permanent themes are "Revolutionary War Events" in school years ending in an even number and "Revolutionary War Persons" in school years ending in an odd number. National winners receive a ribbon, certificate and a cash award. Prizes on the state and chapter level vary. (Grades 3-5)
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Knights Essay ContestThe program is designed to give high school students an opportunity to explore events that shaped American history. At Chapter, State Society, and National Society levels, students must submit an original essay, with topics based on original research and deal with an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Cash award. (Grades 9-12)
GJB Knight Essay Contest Award Winner 2022-Ryan Allen*, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Bloomington, IL * ILSSAR State Winner |
Rumbaugh Historical OrationThe Rumbaugh Oration contest, open to all students in grades 9-12 supports the Secondary School and SAR education objectives by perpetuating the stories of patriotism, courage, tragedy and triumph of the men and women who achieved the independence of the American people. These stories are universal ones of man’s eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each generation as it is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions. The Orations Contest has the endorsement and seal of approval on our web-site of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Our Chapter members are the primary drivers in stimulating students to participate. They work through teachers of all subjects in the school system and the Home School Associations. The contest culminates in an inspiring National Orations Contest held each year, with State winners representing their respective Societies and Districts (Grades 9-12).
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Good Citizenship AwardThe General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution began it's annual SAR Good Citizenship/Scholarship Banquet in April 2000 in Bloomington, IL. From 2000 through 2006 each recipient received a $500 scholarship (with Matthew Diller receiving $300 in 2001). From 2007 through 2016 the monetary amount awarded was raised to $1,000 for one winning student. Beginning in 2017 we are happy to announce that we will be awarding TWO - $1,000 scholarships to our winning student participants! The scholarship is awarded to the outstanding senior student selected from applications from each of the 20 public and private high schools within McLean and Woodford counties. Nominees are graded on their participation in activities demonstrating their dependability, cooperation, leadership, patriotism, and scholastic abilities. In addition, the GJB SAR Chapter also has programs for seven high schools in Iroquois County and for six high schools in Livingston County.
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Award Recipients 2023 - Corey Hadden, Heyworth High School Lilia Monigold, LeRoy High School 2022 - Carter Coffman, Lexington High School Yanaba Schroeder, Ridgeview High School 2021 - Matthew G. Steers, Bloomington High School Alexi Elisa Fogo, Eureka High School 2020 - Grace Louise Melick, Olympia High School Noah Addison Conn, LeRoy High School 2019 - Cara Elise Levingston, LeRoy High School Jeremiah Thomas Poppen, Metamora Twp. High School 2018 - Natalie Rose Bardwell, Eureka High School Molly Elizabeth Day, University High School 2017 - Noelle Katherine Douglas, Normal Community High School Sydney Lighty, University High School
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Educational Programs
Eagle Scout AwardsThis competition is open to Eagle Scouts who are registered in an active unit and have not reached their 19th birthday during the year of application. To enter, an application must be submitted at the Chapter level, consisting of a two-page application form, four-generation ancestry chart, and a 500 word patriotic theme. Like other competitions described above, this one is conducted at all three levels--local, state and national. Beginning in 2019 the GJBSAR provided to the first place winner of the GJBSAR local competition a cash award. The current GJBSAR award amount is $750. The winner also receives a medal and competition patch. All those submitting an application receive a competition patch. In addition the GJBSAR chapter awards Certificates of Recognition to those who attain the rank of Eagle Scout and reside in Iroquois, Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties.
GJB Competition Award Recipients
2022-Jack Bruemmer BSA Troop #920 2020-Joshua Cross BSA Troop #919 Normal, IL 2019-Joseph Trembley* BSA Troop #1870 Fairbury, IL * ILSSAR State Winner Certificates of Recognition 2021
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ROTC/JROTC Contest and AwardsThe SAR ROTC medal is approved by the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Air Force. Each service has notified its ROTC Units of this approval and has authorized presentation to its cadets or midshipmen. The award can be presented by a state society or a chapter to students enrolled in ROTC programs. The medal endeavors to foster the principle of "citizen-soldier" exemplified by the Minutemen. Recipients are selected for a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence. The recipients are selected by the Commander Officer of the ROTC unit. For more information on the Illinois SAR ROTC/JROTC Program, contact our state chairman. JROTC The SAR/JROTC high school level award fosters the principle of "citizen-soldier" as exemplified by the American Revolution's Minuteman. The process of selection begins with the JROTC Unit’s Senior Military Instructor (SMI). Qualified cadets are then selected through Chapter, State Society, and National Society levels of the contest competition. Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership potential, military bearing, and scholastic achievement. Each cadet must submit an original essay on a topic designated by the ROTC/JROTC & Services Academy Liaison Committee. (Nominated cadet must be a Junior in High School) ROTC 2021- Award not presented due to COVID-19 pandemic 2020 - Award not presented due to COVID-19 pandemic 2019 - Dustin Love 2018 - John S. Rego 2017 - Daniel P. Byl 2016 - Andrew Hegg 2015 - Joshua Love 2014 - Ryan A. Deiker 2013 - Jesse Disandro 2012 - Michael J. Kehoe 2011 - Khabran Peters |
Charles B. and Eleanor Schweizer American History Teacher Award This purpose of this award is to recognize and Outstanding Social Studies teachers. Each year, An extraordinary educator at private, public, and parochial institution who teach children in a middle school, high school, community college, or university is recognized for actively addressing the history of the American Revolution era. The Charles B. and Eleanor N. Schweizer American History Teacher Award is presented to a teacher whose instruction on the era from 1750-1800 demonstrates education efforts in the classroom that exceed and excel above current, accepted, curriculum requirements. The Illinois winner receives a $500 award and is recognized at the Illinois Society Annual Meeting in May. The teacher is also entered in the National Society competition. Award Recipients
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