The annual themes for the 2011-2012 AMVETS National Americanism
Essay Contest (pdf) is: I am Proud to Be an American Because …

AMVETS (or American Veterans) is an organization that assists veterans and sponsors other programs that serve the country and its citizens.
 

Judging:

• Originality
• Adherence to theme
• Literary composition

Eligibility:

• All students must address the theme.
• All essays may be written in ink, typed or produced on a computer.
• 6th Grade students should submit essays of 200 words or less.
• 7thand 8th Grade students should submit essays of 300 words or less.
• 9th and 10th Grade students should submit essays of 400 words or less.
• 11th and 12th Grade students should submit essays of 500 words or less.
• All national entries must be postmarked July 1.
• Local and state deadlines may vary.