The Veterans Foundation and Rowan County School District are once again teaming up for their annual Veterans Day essay contests and programs — a tradition that has continued for nearly three decades in the county.
This year’s event carries special significance as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Organizers announced they are beginning preparations early so students can receive the contest topics and writing prompts before summer break and have plenty of time to prepare their essays for the fall competition.
In addition to the historic theme, organizers also announced a major increase in prize money for participating students.
For years, the monetary awards have primarily been funded through American Legion Post 126, with additional support from the Jack Ellis Foundation for students at Rowan County Senior High School. Last year, total prize awards for students in the Rowan County School District, Farmers Christian Academy, and Lakeside Christian Academy totaled approximately $2,000.
This year, thanks to a $1,000 grant secured by Harry Clarke and another $1,000 donation from Via Delarosa Recovery Center, organizers say the total awards will increase to $4,000.
According to organizers, more than 1,000 student essays were submitted in last year’s competition.
The 2026 essay theme is titled:
“Celebrating a Quarter Millennium of American Exceptionalism.”
Students will respond to prompts based on their grade levels:
Elementary School: “What does Freedom mean to you?”
Middle School: Students are asked to discuss how the Declaration of Independence and Constitution helped shape the freedoms Americans enjoy today.
High School: Students will examine why the U.S. Constitution has endured longer than many governing documents throughout history and share their vision for the future of the United States.
Organizers encourage students and parents throughout the community to participate in this year’s event as the nation approaches America’s 250th birthday celebration.
For more information, contact Scott Barker on Facebook