The Virginia S.A.R. hosts a number of scholarships and honor programs throughout the year. As an organization we hope to further the legacy left to us by our patriot ancestors; and through our scholarship programs, contests, and awards we are proud to be able to do so while supporting our communities both locally and nationwide.
For more information on any of the below programs, just click the title.
Virginia SAR youth awards programs
Eagle Scout Program & Scholarship Contest
The contest is open to all Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and have not reached their nineteenth birthday during the year of application. The year that the Eagle rank was awarded is not restricted. Each Eagle Scout must complete an application form, a four-generation ancestor chart, and a 500-word patriotic themed essay. The contest must be entered through an Virginia SAR chapter near the student’s residence. For a contest application and rules click on the link above or contact Ken Hawkins, email is drklhawkins@gmail.com. Entries for the Virginia contest are due in December 1st each year.
Winners of chapter competitions will have the opportunity to compete for one of the three Virginia SAR Cash Scholarship Awards, ranging from $200 to $1000. National First Place Winner receives $10,000; Runner-up receives $6,000; and 2nd Runner-up receives $4,000.
ROTC/JROTC/Cadet Recognition Program & Contest
The National Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) awards the ROTC Medal to foster the principle of the “citizen-soldier,” exemplified by the Minutemen of Revolutionary War days. For information contact Spurgeon Keith, email; sckeithjr@cox.net
Elementary School Poster Contest
The contest is open to public school, parochial, home schooled, Scouting, or Children of the American Revolution member students in 3rd– 5th grade. All entries will be judged on an equal basis regardless of point of origin. A complete set of rules, along with the application for both the applicant can be found by clicking on the link above. The theme for the Poster Contest rotates annually based upon whether the school year ends in an even or odd number. For academic years ending in even numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Events.” For academic years ending in odd numbers, the theme shall be “Revolutionary War Person or Persons.” Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter or contact Tom Hamill, email; tom.hamill65@gmail.com for further details.
Middle School Brochure Contest
The Contest is open to all 6th, 7thand 8th grade Middle School students in public, private and home schools. When school systems are participating in the contest, students will enter through their school system. If they are not participating, students may enter directly to the chapter, through scouting or the CAR (Children of the American Revolution). Regardless of how the student enters, he/she may only enter one brochure per year. All brochures will be created by the individual student, no group entries are allowed. Contest rules can be found by clicking the above link. Please be aware that the local application deadline dates may vary, so interested applicants should reach out to their local SAR chapter or contact Tom Hamill, email; tom.hamill65@gmail.com for further details.
George & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
The contest is open to all US Citizen and Legal Resident students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in the 9th – 12th grade range. To participate, students must submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay will be judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation. The contest is conducted in three phases: the local chapter, state-level, and national phases. The contest must be entered through an VASSAR chapter near the student’s residence. For a contest application and rules click on the link above or contact Richard Sherman rmsalp@gmail.com. Entries for the Virginia contest are due January 10th 2022.
Winners of chapter competitions will have the opportunity to compete for one of the three Virginia SAR Cash Scholarship Awards, ranging from $200 to $1000. National First Place Winner receives $10,000; Runner-up receives $6,000; and 2nd Runner-up receives $4,000.
Joseph S. Rumbaugh Orations Contest
Contest is open to all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution. The contest is for all students attending public, parochial, private or home school students in that same grade range. The preliminary rounds of the contest begin at the local level, students may potentially advance to the state or national levels where scholarships and cash prizes are awarded. For a contest application and rules click on the link above or contact Darrin Schmidt dms13@vt.edu.
National Level awards; 1st Place $6,000; the 2nd Place Runner-up receives $4,000; and the 3rd Place Runner-up receives $2,000 cash prize. Each also receives an Olympic-sized medal. All other finalists (4th through 6th Place runners-up) are awarded $500 cash and all other national contestants are awarded $200 cash.
Teacher of the Year Contest
All Chapters of the Virginia SAR can nominate each year a teacher for this award. The nominee is a teacher who is currently being recognized for excellence in teaching American History in the Revolutionary War era from the time period of 1750 to 1800. However, it is not necessary for the teacher to have an actual title of “History Teacher”. Teacher of the Year Contest nominee’s must be submitted by December 31st of each year. For more information click the link above or contact Mark Day, email; oscmbb64@msn.com
Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Contest
The Virginia Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all American history teachers, whose approved curriculum teaches students about the American Revolution era from 1750 to 1800, to apply for the Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award. The award is open to all teachers at the elementary, middle school or high school levels at a recognized public, private, or parochial institution. While the preliminary rounds of the award program begin at the local chapter level, teachers may eventually advance to the state and national levels. Details about the award can be found by clicking the link above or contacting Mark Day, email; OSCMBB64@msn.com.
Good Citizen of the Year Contest
The Good Citizen of the Year Award is aimed at recognizing that One special Individual In Virginia each year that represents what the SAR would consider a Good Citizen based on their Individual Achievements and Contributions to Society. This program always concludes on December 31st of each calendar year. In the first of January all nominations are carefully reviewed and examined to determine which Chapters candidate is the winner. This is then sent in so the certificate can be created, and that is presented at the Annual in Richmond. In the past we have had some remarkable Individuals with even more remarkable achievements win this Award. If it were not for the hard work these Chapters put into this award, this would not be possible. Thank You Chapters. Edmund
Patriot Chest Program
The contents of the SAR Patriots chest are designed to teach about the principles of the founding of the United States. As you interact with the audience with the items in the chest, history of the later 1700’s will come alive. Household items, toys, currency, documents, hunting and military items and period clothing are all packed in this compact chest easy to handle. Each chest comes with an easy to follow script. As you become familiar with the script and the items feel free to add items or critique the script to your liking. Even though you may target the grade school classes that teach American history this is a great program for all ages. For More information contact Charles Belfield email belmo54@yahoo.com
Programs & Awards
Revolutionary War Graves Preservation Program
The Revolutionary War Graves Committee provides oversight and guidance to Chapters wishing to mark the graves of Revolutionary War Soldiers or Patriots, and for those wishing to register the burial places of Revolutionary War Soldiers or Patriots. This database can be searched by clicking the link above. Inquiries contact Thadeus Heartman email; ltctlh@verizon.net
Flag Recognition Program
Chapter flag committees and chapter members can present flag certificates to individuals, corporations, businesses, fire departments, police departments, schools, libraries, etc. that properly display the American Flag. Information on this can be found by clicking the link above or contact Ken Morris, email; kenmorris@global-inv.com
Public Service & Heroism Award
The Public Service and Heroism Committee (PS&H) recognizes and honors citizens and individuals in our public service sectors of Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Emergency Medical Services for their contributions to the community and for heroic acts with a commendation and medal. For details contact Ken Morris, email; kenmorris@global-inv.com