2022 Susquehanna Chapter, MOAA

Veterans Day Essay Contest

The Veterans Day Essay Contest provides high school students in Harford County Public, Private, or Homeschools an opportunity to express their thoughts about Veterans in their own words. The contest is presented by the Susquehanna Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, in partnership with the Harford County James V. “Capt’n Jim” McMahan Commission on Veterans’ Affairs.

2022 Essay Theme

“What sacrifices do members of the military, Veterans and their families make for our country?”

Members of the military, Veterans, and their families sacrifice in many ways while serving our country. Write an essay about their sacrifice(s). You may use one or more of the examples listed below or any other ideas you wish to share.

• Loss of a loved one.
• Time away from family and loved ones because of a deployment.
• Missed birthdays, holidays, and family events.
• Making new friends and going to a new school every time they move.
• Finding a new church, a new sports team, a new Scout troop.
• Long-term recovery or disability from combat or training injuries.

Essay Categories:

• Grades 9th-12th
• Grades 12+ (students under age 21, who have not yet received a high school diploma or certificate of completion, but remain in the Harford County Public School system)

The contest is open to public, private or home-school students at the high school level in Harford County, Maryland.

Rules, Submission, and Judging

• Only one entry per student. There is no entry fee to participate.
• Essays are limited to 800 words or less and must address the theme.
• The essay must be original work written by the student.
• Formatting requirements:
  • Microsoft Word or PDF
  • Font: Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced
  • Essay Title must appear on the front page at the top of the essay
• All essays must be submitted electronically.
  • Each digital file should be named in the following format: Grade Level_First Name_Last Name of the student (Example: Grade 9 John Doe).
  • Each essay must be submitted with an entry form to be eligible for judging. The form must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian.
• Entries must be submitted by October 23, 2022
• The judging panel may include representatives from MOAA, the Commission on Veterans’ Affairs, educators, and community members.
• Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Expression of theme, 50%
  • Thoughtfulness and creativity, 25%
  • Grammar and composition, 25%

To Enter the Contest

• Complete the 2022 MOAA Veterans Day Essay Contest Entry Form that can be downloaded from Susquehanna Chapter MOAA website at https://www.moaasusquehanna.org/contest . 
• Completed contest entry forms and digital essays in Word/PDF format should be emailed to moaaessaycontest@gmail.com
• All entries must be received by October 23, 2022.

All authors, including the winners, will retain the rights to their work. Entry in the contest constitutes full permission to publish names and photos of winners and their essay without further compensation. The determination of eligibility of entries and any interpretation of these rules is at the sole discretion of the Essay Contest Committee of the combined Susquehanna Chapter, Military Officers Association of America and the Harford County James V. “Capt’n Jim” McMahan Commission on Veterans’ Affairs. Decisions shall be final and binding upon all entrants.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request.  Please let us know of any special needs by emailing moaaessaycontest@gmail.com.  

Prizes & Recognition

The top three essays in each grade category will receive monetary prizes. First place winners will receive $100, second place winners will receive $75, and third place winners will receive $50. Winners will also receive a special challenge coin. Monetary prizes are sponsored by Boyle Buick.

Every participant will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Excerpts from winning essays will be displayed, and winners recognized at the Harford County Veterans Resource Fair on Saturday, November 12, 2022. The event is at the Bel Air Reckord Armory, 37 North Main Street, Bel Air, Maryland.  Winning essays will also be forwarded to the Military Officers Association of America for consideration to be published in their monthly national magazine. Local news media outlets may also publish the winning or other essays.

The contest details are available in PDF format at the link below.