ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ The Gainesville Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is inviting area high school students to participate in the George and Stella Knight Essay Contest, an annual writing competition designed to encourage young people to explore the history and ideals of America’s founding.
Entries for the 2025–2026 contest are now being accepted through Dec. 19, 2025. The contest is open to all students in grades 9 through 12, including those enrolled in public, private, and homeschool programs.
Participants are asked to submit an original essay of 800 to 1,200 words — without the use of artificial intelligence tools — focused on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the U.S. Constitution.
Essays are judged on historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar, spelling, and proper documentation, ensuring students combine thoughtful research with strong writing skills.
“The first level of the contest is the Local level, which has a small cash award for our winner, a medal, and a certificate,” the chapter announcement stated. “The Gainesville Chapter contest winner will go on to a State, and perhaps, National. Each level has its own awards.”
The competition provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the founding principles of the United States while competing for recognition and scholarship opportunities.
Local winners will advance to the Florida State competition, and top state submissions are then entered into the national level, where students can earn additional honors and awards.
Students are encouraged to enter through their nearest SAR chapter, as only one essay per student per year may be submitted. Contest organizers emphasize that prior experience or affiliation with the organization is not required to participate.
“Don’t think you can’t win!” the chapter noted. “Recently, the Gainesville Chapter had a third-place winner in the State contest. We hope to present another worthy student with an award at one of our meetings.”
For questions or to submit an entry, students should contact Chapter President Randal Highsmith at Randal.Highsmith@gmail.com. Additional information and updates are available on the chapter’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SARGainesville/.
The George and Stella Knight Essay Contest is one of the national youth outreach programs of the Sons of the American Revolution, an organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of those who fought for American independence.
In addition to promoting historical literacy, the SAR encourages descendants of Revolutionary War patriots to explore their lineage and consider joining the organization.
“Anyone who has an ancestor who fought for the freedom of this country in the Revolution against Britain is invited to contact us,” the chapter said. “We can help with the needed lineage information from your Patriot to the present day and get you into this great organization.”
Through educational initiatives like the Knight Essay Contest, the Gainesville Chapter continues to honor the legacy of the nation’s founders while inspiring a new generation to engage with the enduring ideals of liberty and democracy.
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Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com
ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ The Gainesville Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is inviting area high school students to participate in the George and Stella Knight Essay Contest, an annual writing competition designed to encourage young people to explore the history and ideals of America’s founding.
Entries for the 2025–2026 contest are now being accepted through Dec. 19, 2025. The contest is open to all students in grades 9 through 12, including those enrolled in public, private, and homeschool programs.
Participants are asked to submit an original essay of 800 to 1,200 words — without the use of artificial intelligence tools — focused on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the U.S. Constitution.
Essays are judged on historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar, spelling, and proper documentation, ensuring students combine thoughtful research with strong writing skills.
“The first level of the contest is the Local level, which has a small cash award for our winner, a medal, and a certificate,” the chapter announcement stated. “The Gainesville Chapter contest winner will go on to a State, and perhaps, National. Each level has its own awards.”
The competition provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the founding principles of the United States while competing for recognition and scholarship opportunities.
Local winners will advance to the Florida State competition, and top state submissions are then entered into the national level, where students can earn additional honors and awards.
Students are encouraged to enter through their nearest SAR chapter, as only one essay per student per year may be submitted. Contest organizers emphasize that prior experience or affiliation with the organization is not required to participate.
“Don’t think you can’t win!” the chapter noted. “Recently, the Gainesville Chapter had a third-place winner in the State contest. We hope to present another worthy student with an award at one of our meetings.”
For questions or to submit an entry, students should contact Chapter President Randal Highsmith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional information and updates are available on the chapter’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SARGainesville/.
The George and Stella Knight Essay Contest is one of the national youth outreach programs of the Sons of the American Revolution, an organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of those who fought for American independence.
In addition to promoting historical literacy, the SAR encourages descendants of Revolutionary War patriots to explore their lineage and consider joining the organization.
“Anyone who has an ancestor who fought for the freedom of this country in the Revolution against Britain is invited to contact us,” the chapter said. “We can help with the needed lineage information from your Patriot to the present day and get you into this great organization.”
Through educational initiatives like the Knight Essay Contest, the Gainesville Chapter continues to honor the legacy of the nation’s founders while inspiring a new generation to engage with the enduring ideals of liberty and democracy.
# # #
Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com