Youth & Educational Programs

  General Joseph Bartholomew
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Youth Programs

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American Elementary School Poster

This 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 Contest

The 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)
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Rumbaugh Historical Oration

The 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).

Good Citizenship Award


The 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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                                           Recipients
          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  
  • 2016 - Olivia L. Harrison, Ridgeview High School
  • 2015 - Dillon Hari, University High School
  • 2014 - Zachery Schaidle, Eureka High School
  • 2013 - Adam Kuebler, Central Catholic High School
  • 2012 - James Holland Roll, Normal Community High                      School
  • 2011 - Blaise Rankin McNeese, Tri-Valley High                                   School
  • 2010 - Matthew Nicholas Schaidle, Eureka High                               School
  • 2009 - Jeffery E. Bush, Normal West High School
  • 2008 - Ruskin Fakheri, University High School
  • 2007 - Michael Connor Rotsch, University High                                  School
  • 2006 - Kellen James Clause, LeRoy High School
  • 2005 - Christina Ann Briggs, Bloomington High                                   School
  • 2004 - Jonathan Hostetler, El Paso High School
  • 2003 - Laura Arnold, Normal West High School
  • 2002 - Adam Hickman, Normal West High School
  • 2001 - David Mizzell, University High School and Matthew Diller, Normal Community High School
  • 2000 - David Wahls, Lexington High School 

Educational Programs

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Eagle Scout Awards

This 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. 
     GJBSAR Competition Winners
  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
  • Benjamin Ian Donovan 
                            2020
  • Luke Albertson
  • Greg Carter 
  • Joshua Cross
  • Gabriel Emerson
  • Nickolaus Hanson
  • Simon Langley
  • Jacob May
  • Jacob McBride
  • Ryan Shapland                  
​                            2019
  • Patrick Donavon
  • Martin Kretz
  • Joshua Irvin
  • Noah Langley
  • Braxton Martin
  • Wyatt Moser
  • Spencer Nason
  • Sean Peters
  • Blaine Terry
  • Joseph Trembley
                            2018
  • Joshua Cooper
  • Cauy Warner
  • Daniel Wycoff
                            2017
  • Nick Knappenburger
  • Donald C. McFarllin II
  • Kevin Mickleson
  • Mitchell Ratcliff
  • Trevor Smith
​                            2016
  • Alec Harmon
  • Connor Kaeb 
  • Eli Langley
  • Jaron Maddox
  • Jake Phillips
                             2015
  • ​Connor Brinkman
  • Carter Burns
  • William Donhardt
  • Brandon M. James
  • Steven James Kretz
  • John Otto
  • Miles Ratcliff
  • Noah Rutledge
  • Jared Zachow
​                             2014
  • Tyler M. James
  • ​Thomas Jacob Kretz
  • Andrew Nason
  • Mason Michael Ratcliff
                              2013
  •  Allan Lang
  • Jacen Barron
  • Braman B. Broy
  • Jason Johnson
  • Adam Kuebler
  • Ryan Matchett
  • John M. Mueting
  • Zachery Peters
                              2012
  • James Beaver
  • Drake M. Bowald
  • Nate Hartman
  • Jose Hidrogo
  • Joseph Brandon Peters
  • ​Marcus Michael Ratcliff
  • Timothy P. Wagner
  • David Richard Wylie
                             2011
  • ​Gavin L. Arvin
  • Cole Craft​
  • Drew Ingles
  • Evan Johnson
  • Aaron Peters
  • Ethan Tyler Reynolds
  • Matthew Wayne Reynolds
  • Chase Scherer
  • Nick Sikkema
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ROTC/JROTC Contest and Awards


The 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. ​
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                     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
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        C
harles B. and Eleanor                        Schweizer American
        History Teacher Award

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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
  • ​2016 - Deann Festr
  • ​2015 - Kristin                              Strubhart
  • 2014 - Thomas Davis
  • 2013 - Ryan Koehler
  • 2012 - Seth Graves
  • 2011 - Barbara Kay
  • 2010 - Jeff Welker
  • 2009 - Deanne Wiist, History Teacher at Normal Community West High School​​​
  • 2008 - Sue Settle, Centralia High School



































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  • Home
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    • About >
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