# George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest The Knight Essay Contest is the National Society Sons of the American Revolution's (SAR) flagship history essay competition for high school students. Entrants write an original, researched essay on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. ## What You'll Do - Choose and research a topic from the Revolutionary era using primary and secondary sources - Write an 800-1,200 word essay judged on historical accuracy, clarity of thought, organization, grammar, spelling, and documentation - Submit your entry through the SAR chapter serving your area (one entry per student per contest year) - Advance from chapter to state society to national judging if selected ## Who Should Apply Students in grades 9-12 with an interest in early American history, government, or competitive writing. Because entries route through local chapters, students should contact their nearest SAR chapter early — local deadlines vary and typically fall in autumn or early winter. ## Outcomes Winning essayists earn recognition and scholarship awards at chapter, state, and national levels from one of the country's oldest historical-education societies, and the national winner is honored at the SAR's annual congress.