Elks Drug Awareness Essay Contest

Learn how to get started with your involvement in the Elks Drug Awareness Program

The Elks Drug Awareness Program Essay Contest is a pivotal component of our ongoing commitment to youth education and the promotion of healthy, drug-free lifestyles. We invite all 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students to express their perspectives and showcase their ideas in alignment with our annual theme.

Eligibility and Participation Guidelines

• Grade Levels: Open to students in 6th through 8th grade.
• Authorship: Essays must be the original work of the participant. However, brainstorming and discussion with teachers, parents, or peers are encouraged to refine ideas.

Submission Format

• Length: Essays must not exceed 250 words.
• Paper Size: Standard U.S. letter (8 1/2 x 11 inches).
• Presentation: Submissions may be typed, computer-generated, hand-written, or hand-printed, maintaining legibility and neatness.

Judging Criteria

Essays will be evaluated based on:

• Adherence to the given theme.
• Overall neatness and presentation.
• Originality and creativity.
• Use of correct grammar and sentence structure.

Required Information

Please affix the following details on the reverse side of the essay:

• Student's complete name.
• Name and location of the school, and grade level.
• Affiliated Elks Lodge name.
• A signed Hold Harmless Agreement must accompany the submission.

Deadlines and Submission Process

Participants should reach out to their local Elks Lodge or Elks State Association for specific submission deadlines and additional instructions. National deadline is April 1st.

Selection and Recognition

• Local Level: Participating Elks Lodges will select the finest essays, judged by the outlined criteria.

Recognition and Progression

• Local Selection: Essays are initially judged by the local Elks Lodges.
• Notification: Winners will be notified by their respective lodges.
• Advancement: Winning essays at the local level will proceed to District and State-Level Competitions.
• Property: All entries become the property of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and are non-returnable.

National Recognition

State Drug Awareness Chairpersons will select one essay for national consideration. The top essay will be entered into the National Contest and may be showcased on the Elks Kids Zone website and/or highlighted in ENF or DAP publications.

We are committed to guiding our youth towards making informed, healthy choices. We look forward to the thoughtful essays that will emerge from this year's theme. Please ensure all participants and supporters are directed to our resource hub for the most up-to-date information: Elks Drug Awareness Program Resources.