Elks Essay Contests
The Elks believe in our nations youth, that they are our hope for a brighter tomorrow. Through our various contests we give youth the opportunity to use their creativity and originality to interpret the themes and messages of the Elks for a new generation. Whether through written word, drawing, or even video students all over Oregon take part in our various creative contests each year. For our Americanism Program and Drug Awareness Program students are given the chance to craft an essay responding to a theme chosen each year by the respective Grand Lodge Committees over these programs. Students will first enter the contests by submitting their entries to their local lodge. Winners at the lodge level will then advance to the district committee chair to compete against winning entires submitted by other lodges in the respective district. Winning entries at the district level then advance to state and ultimately to Grand Lodge where national winners will be selected.
Americanism Essay
The theme for 2026-2027 is “Explain a Constitutional Right or Privilege and How It Affects You and Your Family”
Rules
At the time of the contest, eligible participants must be students enrolled in one of these four divisions: I—5th grade; II—6th grade; III—7th grade; or IV—8th grade.
Essay length is not to exceed 300 words.
Essay must be typed or legibly printed in ink. Also, Essay must be submitted as written (or typed) by the entrant.
Essay must be submitted for judging to the Elks Lodge nearest to the address of the entrant.
Participant must be identified by name, grade, school attending and sponsoring Elks Lodge on the Essay.
Awards
Plaques will be awarded by Grand Lodge for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for national winning essays in Divisions I, II, III, and IV. Monetary awards will be disbursed for each grade level for 1st Place—$1,000; 2nd Place—$500; and 3rd Place—$250. Winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session.
Application Packet
Click the large button to the below to download the application materials. All applications must include the coverpage to identify the student and local Elks Lodge it is submitted to. Essay should be submitted to your nearest local Elks Lodge on/before December 15, 2026.
The theme for the 2026-2027 contest is: "A Healthy Me Is Drug Free"
Eligibility and Participation Guidelines
Grade Levels: Open to students in 6th through 8th grade.
Authorship: Essays must be the original work of the participant. However, brainstorming and discussion with teachers, parents, or peers are encouraged to refine ideas.
Submission Format
Length: Essays must not exceed 250 words.
Paper Size: Standard U.S. letter (8 1/2 x 11 inches).
Presentation: Submissions may be typed, computer-generated, hand-written, or hand-printed, maintaining legibility and neatness.
Judging Criteria
Essays will be evaluated based on:
Adherence to the given theme.
Overall neatness and presentation.
Originality and creativity.
Use of correct grammar and sentence structure.
Required Information
Please affix the following details on the reverse side of the essay:
Student’s complete name.
Name and location of the school, and grade level.
Affiliated Elks Lodge name.
A signed Hold Harmless Agreement must accompany the submission.
Submission Deadline
Local Lodges should submit entries to their State DAP District Chairperson well ahead of the State’s internal deadline of Feb 1st 2027, so the Chairperson has time to run District and State judging. Essays sent directly to the National contest without going through a State Chairperson will not be considered for judging and are not eligible.