American Veteran, The Power of One
Essay and Scholarship Project
A call for young writers- honor a soldier, write their story to be published in a book collection & be eligible to win a camp scholarship
or cash prize.
We are proud to announce the book America's Soldiers: Teens' Tales of Tribute will be available Memorial Day Weekend- 2010 w/ 15% discount on our website or through online book retailers.
The book has been awarded a Gold Founder's Award in Youth Nonfiction from the
Young Voices Foundation Book Awards.
In Their Honor
Our veterans gave Americans the ultimate gift which included risking life and limb. By choosing to serve our country they are by nature humanitarians. In learning how veterans have served in war or what has happened as a result of their service we can learn the true meaning of great courage and strength of character. By following a veteran's path in life, we can better understand the true meaning of honor. As we gain knowledge of their experiences, we in turn share in their journey and are guided by the examples they have set for us.
As the sponsors of the American Veteran essay project Lynn and Reid Geddie are a mother and son from the Metro Atlanta area. After extensive research about her father's military role in WWII, Lynn's son, Reid wrote an essay about his grandfather for a class project at his middle school in Georgia . Both came away from the finished project with a greater appreciation and deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by all of our veterans. Reid gained a wealth of knowledge about the grandfather he never met which gave him a real and lasting connection to him. Further, the project increased his ability to be familiar with and learn to develop an essay. Special thanks to Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Pamela Ridge for supporting this project by allowing her original "Famous Footsteps- The Power of One" assignment to be expanded upon and shared with teens all over America.
Essay Submission Final Deadline - December 1, 2010
Teens who want to enter a story in the project should write about a veteran that served from WWII or any period through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The essay should be written about a veteran who exhibited the ability to be a role model and explore how that person has shown the "power of one" by making a difference in the lives of others. Essays should not exceed 1000 words. (See Essay Project Rules page for complete instructions.) The first 10 teachers (2009) that had their students / student send in an entry received an Office Depot gift card for class room supplies. In 2010 the first 10 teachers that have their students / student send in an entry will receive a free copy of the book America's Soldiers: Teens' Tales Of Tribute.
The 2011 top essay winner will receive the Lt. Norman J. Rogers, Jr. Memorial Scholarship summer camp experience, titled FLIGHT CAMP at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia (See scholarship awards page) or winner can choose a $75.00 cash prize. (WWII B-24 pilot, Lt. Rogers' story can be found at the Top Essay Winners tab on this website.) The second place essay will receive a $50.00 cash prize. New prizes added (2009): Autographed copy of the CD 'SANDBOX' by Rebecca Henricks, see our Links Page for description and 3 Honorable Mention Awards of $10.00 from an anonymous donor. None of the entrant's contact information will be shared with any organization or entity except the museum which will be given the winner's information so that arrangements for camp can be made. This project is sponsored privately by their family in memory of their father and grandfather, a WWII China-Burma-India Hump pilot and American veteran. All teen authors who participate and submit an essay will be given a certificate of merit. As a community project (2009) the collection will be presented to the local library system and the school's Veteran's Day program held in November.In offering this project to our teens they hope to achieve several objectives; as mentioned, the teen will make a real connection to those who have made individual sacrifices for the betterment of our country; learn to distinguish the difference between what great courage or strength of character is and that of fame or celebrity; and last, will foster an awareness that our veterans are the true mentors and role models for all Americans. As a former educator, Lynn has found throughout her life learning comes through active participation in a task. She also believes the younger generation through writing a veteran's story will come to understand what is truly important for the continued success of America. Free registration is available on the Contact Us page. The deadline for essays is October 15, 2009. Winners will be announced in November on the web site and contacted by e-mail or phone. Teachers who win a gift card will be notified by e-mail and can check the web site for winners as they will be listed in the order that their entrants come in.
IMPORTANT UPDATE - New entries for the 2nd essay competition are presently being accepted. New Prizes and possible publication of essays (2nd edition) to be announced.
E-Mail us: info@americanvetpowerof1.com
Salute to Veterans and presentation of certificates of merits to students participating in the essay competition
2010 FLIGHT CLASS MUSEUM OF AVIATION
F15 MODULE-SIMULATOR
EXTRA ACTIVITIES- GO CART RACING
