Benjamin Franklin Chapter
Sons of the American Revolution

SAR Elementary School Americanism Poster Contest

The poster contest is open to students in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade, depending on when the American Revolution is taught in their public, private, parochial, charter and home school. The contest is also open to members of the C.A.R., Cub Scouts and Brownies who are in the same grade if their school does not participate. Judging is based upon portrayal of the year's theme, originality, evidence of research, neatness, artistic merit and creativity. The permanent themes are "Revolutionary War Events" in school years ending in an even number and "Revolutionary War Persons" in school years ending in an odd number.

2019 Poster Contest Winners with Chuck Finley

SAR Middle School Brochure Contest

The brochure contest is in honor of Sgt. Moses Adams is open to middle school students, depending on when the American Revolution or Government is taught within their public, private, parochial, charter or home school. The contest is also open to members of the C.A.R., Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who are in the same grade if their school does not participate. Judging is based upon content, creativity and correctness. The permanent theme is "The Founding Documents of the United States." National winners receive a ribbon, certificate and a cash award. Prizes on the state and chapter level vary.

Entry Deadline: March 1st.

Chapter Awards: $80 $60 $40
State Awards:
National Awards: $300 $200 $100

CAR Activity Award

The SAR Children of the American Revolution Award is given to C.A.R. members who have performed outstanding service in the furthering of the principles of freedom, and knowledge about and appreciation of the American Revolution, and in supporting the goals of the C.A.R.

Entry Deadline:

Chapter Awards:
State Awards:
National Awards:

Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest

The SAR Historical Oration Contest in honor of Joseph S. Rumbaugh is open to all students in Secondary School to perpetuate the stories of patriotism, courage, tragedy and triumph of the men and women who achieved the independence of the American people. These stories are universal ones of man’s eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each generation as it is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions. The contest culminates in an inspiring National Orations Contest held each year, where State winners represent their respective Societies and Districts.

Ohio Oration Contest winner presented
by BFC member Steve Kelley

George S. and Stella M. Knight SAR Essay Contest

The SAR Essay Contest in honor of George S. and Stella M. Knight is designed to give high school students an opportunity to explore events that shaped American history. At Chapter, State Society, and National Society levels, students must submit an original essay, with topics based on original research and deal with an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Cash award.

Entry Deadline: November 30

Chapter: $100, $75, $50
State awards: $800, $400, $200
National Awards: $5,000, $2,500, $1,000

SAR Youth Exchange Program

The SAR Youth Exchange Program involving the children and grandchildren of SAR members in France and the United States was first implemented in 2008 and 2009 and has been a resounding success. The exchange includes young ladies and gentlemen between the ages of twelve and twenty years old. This program has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for young people from both countries to experience a different culture, develop new relationships, and share our mutual heritage of freedom. During the summer of 2010, the SAR had six youths participate in this program. The American youths were from Santa Ana, California; Concord, North Carolina; and Jacksonville, Florida. The three French youth participants from France were all from Paris, France.

More Information: National Website

Dr. Tom and Berry Lawrence American History Teacher Award

The SAR American History Teacher Award sponsored by Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence recognizes teachers whose instruction on the Revolutionary War era from 1750-1800 demonstrates educational efforts in the classroom that exceed and excel above current accepted, curriculum requirements. Winners of the award choose a trip to one of the following seminars:

• Freedoms Foundation Summer Teacher Graduate Workshop at Valley Forge, Pa.
• Colonial Williamsburg Summer Teacher Workshop in Williamsburg, Va.
• Jefferson Symposium at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va.
• SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution.

Entry Deadline: About March 1st.

National Awards: Potential benefits worth up to $5,000 per winner.

Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Award

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all Eagle Scouts interested in the American Revolution to participate in the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Contest. The contest is open to all Eagle Scouts who are currently registered in an active unit and, have not reached their nineteenth birthday during the year of application. The year that the Eagle rank was awarded is not restricted.​

Scout Gabe Kunth, Troop 332

ROTC and JROTC Awards

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) awards the ROTC Medal to foster the principle of the “citizen-soldier,” exemplified by the Minutemen of Revolutionary War days. This award is presented by an SAR Chapter, State-level Society, or the National Society to ROTC or JROTC cadets who are selected for having a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence. The recipients are selected by the Commanding Officer of the ROTC or JROTC unit, who should be given full latitude in making the selection.

Bill Johnson and 2019 OSU Naval ROTC recipient

National Enhanced JROTC Program

The winner of each state-level society competition will be entered into the National JROTC Recognition program. The winning cadet at the national society level will receive his or her award at our annual SAR Congress. The award will be the National JROTC Medallion and the 5 cash awards listed below.

Entry Deadline:

Chapter: Enhanced Medal Set, Certificate, Certificate
State awards: $500, $200, $100
National Awards: $5,000, $2,000, $1,000, $250, $250

The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has 5 separate awards in this area: