 One of the most rewarding aspects of the Illinois SAR is its recognition of and rewarding of excellence, achievement and outstanding citizens. This occurs in many ways, such as scholarships, medals, and certificates. JROTC Program Each year, the Illinois SAR recognizes the state's Outstanding JROTC Cadet. The winning cadet receives a $500 award and will be entered into the national competition. Cadets are nominated by local Illinois chapters and are required to write an original essay by the Cadet, of 500 to 700 words, the topic is: “How has JROTC prepared me to be a better citizen of the United States of America.” The JROTC Award is presented to the Outstanding Cadet in their next to last year of JROTC in a four year program at their high school (or a second year cadet in a two-year program). The program is designed to allow all candidates to be evaluated equally regardless of the Military Service they represent. At the chapter level, 85 high school programs are honored by the Illinois SAR, including a JROTC program in Japan! The 2010-2011 winner is Cadet Megan Steiner. The winning cadet of the National program is recognized by the National Society Sons of the American Revolution at Congress where he/she receives the National JROTC Medallion and a check for $1000. (The second place winner receives an award of $500.) For more information on the Illinois JROTC program, contact our state chairman.
ROTC Program  The
SAR ROTC medal is approved by the United States Army, the United States
Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Air Force.
Each srvice has notified its ROTC Units of this approval and
has
authorized presentation to its cadets or midshipmen. The
award
can be presented by a state society or a chapter to students enrolled
in ROTC programs. The medal endeavors to foster the principle
of
"citizen-soldier" exemplified by the Minutemen. Recipients are selected for a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence. The recipients are selected by the Commander Officer of the ROTC unit. For more information on the Illinois SAR ROTC/JROTC Program, contact our state chairman. Eagle Scouts The Illinois Society is proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of new Eagle Scouts throughout the state for their excellence and good citizenship. Scoutmasters may request a commemorative certificate for an Eagle's Courts of Honor by contacting our state chairman. Also, the Illinois and National Societies offer a unique Eagle Scout Recognition and Scholarship Contest at the state and national levels with substantial cash awards. (At the national level, the award is called the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship.) Young men who achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and demonstrate their belief in our principles of patriotism and American heritage are deserving of special recognition for their accomplishments and dedication. The program is open to all Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and have not reached their 19th birthday during the year of application. Scholarship deadline is December 31st for applications to be received by the State Chairman. Please check with the chapter closest to you for their specific deadline. You may also submit your application directly to the state society. however, if this is done the you will miss the opportunity to compete for any awards offered at the local chapter level. The winner of the 2010-2011 Eagle Scout Scholarship in Illinois is Chris Collins of BSA Troop 388, Kirk of the Lakes Church, Mundelein, Illinois. In his career, Chris has earned 61merit badges, and has been awarded a Gold Palm. Chris received a $500 check.
Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest. Update: Phillip Cozzi received NSSAR's second place award for his presentation, "Patrick Henry: Political Valules over Expediency." The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest is open to all students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools who are in their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year of study. The contest strives to bring the events of today to high school students in a way that draws an intelligent relationship between the past and the present and clearly demonstrates freedom of opportunity as a basic right of our national heritage. The preliminary rounds of the contest are held by Chapters and/or State Societies to select one winner from each participating state for the national competition. Prizes also may be awarded to winners from the Chapter and State Society. The Illinois SAR winner for 2010-2011 was Phillip Cozzi from Fenwick High School. Click here to contact state chairman.
George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest The George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest is a national event. Conducted at the Chapter, State Society and National Society levels, students must submit an original essay with topics based on original research about an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. More information is available here or from our state chairman. The winner for the 2010-2011 year was John F. Manion, Benet Academy.
Public Service Awards The society is proud to recognize the accomplishments and exceptional contributions of public servants in the fields of law enforcement, fire safety, and emergency medial services for service and acts beyond what is normally expected. These awards may be given to an individual only once and may be awarded posthumously. •The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal is awarded to those that have served with distinction in the field of law enforcement. The medal recognizes exceptional service or accomplishment in the field by police officers and those that make and enforce the law including attorneys, judges, prosecutors and legislators. •The Fire Safety Commendation Medal recognizes individuals for accomplishments. The award is available to firefighters and those that protect human life and property from injuries or casualties due to fire and chemicals. The award recognizes the variety of roles that have evolved into a highly technical and skilled professions requiring constant study. •The Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal is given to individuals for accomplishments and/or outstanding contribution in an area of emergency medical services, including paramedics, certified Emergency Medical Technicians, and others in the emergency medical fields. At the 2010 meeting,.the Illinois SAR awarded the Law Enforcement Award to Officer James S. Lopez of the Chicago Police Department (shown in the middle). He was stabbed while apprehending a bank robber, yet continued his pursuit.
Charles B. and Eleanor Schweizer American History Teacher Award (national award is Tom And Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award). The American History Teacher Award recognizes an outstanding history teacher whose instruction on the Revolutionary War era (1750-1800) demonstrates educational efforts in the classroom that exceed and excel above currently accepted requirements. The state winner receives a $500 award and plaque. The award program will be conducted first in Chapters and then at the State and National Levels. Candidates interested in entering the Local Chapter contest must complete the required application and submit a written essay, not to exceed 500 words, discussing any extraordinary teaching techniques or innovative projects utilized by the teacher in the past to teach the Revolutionary War. The 2010-2011 winner is Barbara Kay who teaches at Highland High School. For more information, contact the state History Teacher Award chairman.
Veterans Support
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