SAR Knight Essay Contest Sons of the American Revolution

By Michael R. Grigsby, Editor | Somerset-Pulaski Advocate

Image courtesy of Rahul Thakuri / Pexels

Williamsburg, KY (SPA) -   Eastern Kentucky high school students are being called to step into history—literally.  The Capt. Charles Gatliff Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is inviting young scholars to take part in this year’s Knight Essay Contest. This nationwide competition challenges students to reflect on the ideals of America’s founding era. The contest, open to all high schoolers in the region, requires participants to submit an 800–1,200-word essay on a topic tied to the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the U.S. Constitution. Essays will be judged on historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar, and documentation.

Local chapter president Charles Hayes said the competition has been available in Eastern Kentucky for years—but so far, no student from the WYMT viewing area has ever taken the opportunity.

“We have yet to give a prize to a local student because we have not received any submissions,” Hayes said. “Please, mountain students, win this for us.”

Prizes for the local contest include $400 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third. Winners will then advance to state and national competitions, where the stakes rise dramatically: the national first-place prize is a $5,000 scholarship. Hayes is encouraging students enrolled in AP History or English classes, as well as members of ROTC programs, to participate. “This is an incredible chance not only to earn scholarship money but also to showcase the pride and talent of students from our region,” Hayes added.

How to Enter

Entries must be received by December 31, 2025. Submissions can be sent by email to  charleshayes@windstream.net  or mailed directly to:

Capt. Charles Gatliff Chapter

Sons of the American Revolution

Attn: Charles Hayes

318 Slate Lick St. 

London, KY 40741

The contest, SAR leaders say, is about more than just winning money—it’s about inspiring the next generation to understand and carry forward the principles of liberty, democracy, and civic responsibility.

“Eastern Kentucky has a proud history of service and patriotism,” Hayes said. “Now it’s time for our students to put that heritage into words.”

More information, rules, and the application form are available on the SAR website here.