Knights Essay Contest |
Rumbaugh Historical Oration 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)
|
Pictured L to R (Jay Cummins (GJBSAR President), Vivaan Reddy, Jeff Stout, (Chair of our GJBSAR Youth Awards/Education Committee), Jeff Case (ILSSAR President).
Vivaan Reddy's original oration impressed judges at both the local and state levels with its thoughtful exploration of Penelope Barker and the Edenton Tea Party. As local chapter winner, Vivaan received a $500 award from GJBSAR, and as Illinois State winner, he earned an additional $1,000 award from the Illinois Society SAR.Vivaan plans to attend Illinois State University, where he intends to study Legal Studies, followed by law school and a career focused on justice and public service.
The Rumbaugh Oration contest, open to all students in grades 9-12 supports the 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. This award is given at the local GJBSAR chapter level, and the state ILSSAR, and the national SAR level as well. The Chapter award is $500.00 (updated for 2026) with additional monetary awards given to state and national winners. These stories of patriotism are universal ones of our 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.
|
|
|
|
Charles B. and Eleanor Schweizer American History Teacher Award |
American Elementary School Poster |
|
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
|
The American Elementary Poster 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). See Award program details.
|
Outstanding Citizenship Awards
On April 9, 2026, the General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution proudly hosted its 27th Annual Outstanding Citizenship Scholarship Luncheon at the Bloomington Country Club. The centerpiece of this annual event is the recognition of 19 exceptional high school seniors from across our region—young men and women who exemplify the very best of citizenship through academic excellence, leadership, service, and involvement in athletics and extracurricular activities. These students have already demonstrated the qualities that define strong citizenship: integrity, initiative, perseverance, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. As they move forward into the next chapters of their lives, we are confident they will continue to lead, serve, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and our nation.
Our future is bright—and it is in capable hands.
Our future is bright—and it is in capable hands.
 19 high school seniors from schools in Central Illinois honored with 2026 Outstanding Citizenship Awards (Click on photo for larger view)
The General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution began it's annual SAR Outstanding 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! Three were given in 2025 to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and two awarded in 2026.
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. McLean & Woodford Counties for 2026
Andrew Naour, NCHS Calvin Andrews, Heyworth HS Cameron Hageman, Central Catholic HS Cole Robison, Lowpoint-Washburn HS Ezra Parker, Cornerstone Christian Academy Gabrielle Wagoner, Ridgeview HS Gage Maurer, Prairie Central HS Hayden Kuchefski, NCWHS Joseph Cheever, Lexington HS Katy Imhof, Bloomington HS Macy Gochanour, Fieldcrest HS Molly Scheuer, Le Roy HS Natalie Otto, Eureka HS Owen Bergquist, El Paso-Gridley HS Owen Knuffman, Olympia HS Samson Masters, Tri-Valley HS Suhn Kaeb, University HS Trevor Heil, Metamora Township HS Wyatt Brown, Roanoke-Benson HS Livingston County for 2025 Kasandra Hughes: Tri-point High School (2025) Jacob Dewald: Pontiac High School (2025) Tiffany Rustman: Flanagan-Cornell High School (2025) Kyle Bliss: Woodland High School (2025) Iroquois County for 2024 Gage Vogel Ava Carlson James Newell Madison Smith Keegan Reed James Newell 
L to R 2025: Jay Cummins, Dr Albert Day; award recipients Gage Vogel, Ava Carlson, James Newell, Madison Smith, Keegan Reed & James Newell; new GJB member Jay Herrman
|
Scholarship Recipients Two high school seniors (shown below) were awarded the A.M. King GJBSAR Citizenship Scholarships presented by Jay Herrman (GJBSAR Genealogist) & Dr. David B. Williams (GJBSAR Web Administrator) at the 9 April 2026 Outstanding Citizenship Award Luncheon
(click on photo for large view) 
Outstanding Citizenship Scholarship Award winners, Andrew Naour (NCHS) & Calvin Andrews (Heyworth HS) with Jay Herrman (GJB Genealogist) and David Williams (GJB Web administrator)
|
Adult Outstanding Citizenship Awards 2026
|
In addition to recognizing our student award recipients, the Chapter was honored to present Outstanding Adult Citizenship Awards to four individuals whose lives reflect a deep and ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and community impact: Dr. David Williams – GJBSAR Webmaster, whose leadership and dedication have strengthened the Chapter’s communications and digital presence Dale Simpson – For leadership and service across multiple initiatives, including America 250 planning, public relations, and community engagement Chris Knoll – A dedicated community servant and Scouting leader whose impact spans decades of mentoring and service. Dr. James Shadid – President of Bradley University, recognized for his leadership in higher education and commitment to developing future citizen-leaders.
|
 Chris Knoll receiving the 2026 GJB Adult Outstanding Citizenship Award by GJB President, Jay Cummins
Spotlight on Service: Chris Knoll One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of Chris Knoll, whose life reflects the true spirit of citizenship through service to others. Chris brings strong Midwestern values and, following a distinguished 34-year career with State Farm, has devoted himself to giving back to the community. For nearly 25 years, he has been deeply involved in Scouting—serving almost a decade as Scoutmaster for Troop 920 in Bloomington and continuing today as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, and Eagle Scout Coach. Through this work, he has helped shape the character and leadership of countless young men. In addition, Chris serves as a Corporal with the McLean County Emergency Management Agency Search and Rescue team, helping lead efforts to locate missing persons and support families during critical moments. Chris and his wife Denise, married since 1991, are the proud parents of three children—Jacob, Maggie, and Graham—and grandparents to Nora. |
Additional Educational Programs
Eagle Scout Awards |
ROTC Contest and Awards |
GJBSAR CHAPTER 2024 EAGLE SCOUT AWARD. The GJBSAR chapter has chosen Robert Null II for the 2024 GJBSAR King Eagle Scout Award. Congratulations to Robert (Troop 918): the presentation of his award and recitation of his patriotic essay will be at an upcoming GJB meeting in 2025.
Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest
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.
Eagle Scout Certificates of Recognition 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.
|
GJRSAR SILVER ROTC MEDAL & SCHOLARSHIP: 2026 Winner is Cadet Corey Urban of the Illinois State University Redbird Battalion Army ROTC. Cadet Urban was awarded the Sons of the American Revolution Silver ROTC Medal, along with a $500 scholarship, GJBSAR certificate of recognition, and the chapter’s commemorative challenge coin during the battalion’s annual Change of Command Ceremony at Horton Field House. This award recognizes the top cadet in an ROTC program for excellence in leadership, military bearing, academic achievement, and overall performance, based on nomination by the commanding officer.
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. The GJB SAR ROTC awardee receives the Silver SAR ROTC Medal, a certificate and a scholarship.
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) GJB SAR ROTC AWARDS
|
