American Veteran, The Power of One
Essay and Scholarship Project
A call for young writers- honor a veteran, write their story to be published in a book collection & be eligible to win a camp scholarship or cash prize.
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.
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 that have their students / student send in an entry will receive an Office Depot gift card for class room supplies.
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 DEADLINE EXTENSIONS:
Essays will be accepted and will be eligible for all awards if they are submitted by Nov. 7th, 2009 by 12:00 midnight.
Essays will be accepted for possible inclusion in the published collection, but will not be eligible for any of the awards if entries are received by December 30th by 12:00 midnight. (Winners will be announced by the end of November 2009.)
We want to give as many teens who are interested in participating every opportunity to be included.
E-Mail us: info@americanvetpowerof1.com
Salute to Veterans and presentation of certificates of merits to students participating in the essay competition
