The American Legion - Department of Illinois, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion are co-sponsors of this Americanism Essay Contest Scholarship. Its purpose is to aid the schools of Illinois in the teaching of Americanism and good citizenship. The contest is divided into the following three classes: CLASS I - 7th and 8th grades; CLASS II - 9th and 10th grades; and CLASS III - 11th and 12th grade. All Illinois School students in the 7th and 8th grades and Junior and Senior High School are invited to participate in this contest. All contestants must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States of America and a bona fide student in a Junior or Senior High School. Home schooled students will be competing at their own grade level according to age. The essay must reach the local American Legion Post, American Legion Auxiliary Unit, or SAL Squadron by the set deadline. Essay entry must include the title page with essay subject name on it; the student's name, home address (incl. city/state/zip), phone number and email; grade in school; name of school; and name of sponsoring Post, Unit or Squadron. The essay shall be no more than 500 words in length. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.