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Americanism essays sought for Fleet Reserve competition
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 8:59 GMT by NOLA.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Americanism Essays Sought for Fleet Reserve Competition in St. Tammany
A new essay contest is sweeping the St. Tammany school district, inviting students to explore the meaning of Americanism for the National Fleet Reserve’s upcoming 2024 competition. According to the announcement on NOLA.com, the initiative seeks to spark patriotism and critical thinking among high school seniors while providing an opportunity for scholarships and public recognition.
The Competition’s Purpose and Theme
The National Fleet Reserve (NFR), a nonprofit that offers maritime training and scholarships to American youth, launched this year’s Americanism essay competition as part of its “Youth Leadership Series.” The central theme—“Americanism: Traditions, Challenges, and Future”—encourages students to consider the historical roots of the United States, the diversity of its citizenry, and the evolving responsibilities of its citizens in a globalized world.
“As the world changes, it’s vital that we remind ourselves of the core values that have defined our nation,” said NFR Director Linda Martinez in a statement cited by the NOLA.com article. “This competition is a platform for the next generation to articulate what Americanism means to them.”
Eligibility and Entry Guidelines
The competition is open to all high school seniors enrolled in public and private schools across St. Tammany Parish, as well as to students from neighboring parishes who attend St. Tammany schools. Each student may submit one essay, and each school may nominate up to five entries. The essays must be:
- Word count: 500–750 words
- Formatting: Times New Roman, 12‑point font, double‑spaced
- Submission format: PDF file uploaded to the NFR portal
- Deadline: Friday, April 30, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (EST)
Entries that fail to meet any of these requirements will be disqualified. The competition rules, including the complete set of eligibility criteria and formatting instructions, are available on the NFR website (https://fleetreserve.org/americanism-competition). The NOLA.com article includes a direct link to the PDF of the competition rules.
Prompt and Evaluation Criteria
The essay prompt, shared in the article, reads:
“In a brief, persuasive essay, explain what Americanism means to you, how it has shaped your personal values, and what role you see yourself playing in the future of the United States.”
The judging panel, composed of NFR volunteers and local educators, will evaluate entries based on:
- Clarity of Thesis – The essay must present a clear, original perspective.
- Depth of Insight – Students should demonstrate thoughtful reflection on American history, culture, and civic responsibilities.
- Structure and Organization – Logical progression and coherence.
- Language and Style – Effective use of diction, grammar, and rhetorical devices.
- Relevance to the Prompt – Direct response to all parts of the question.
The article quoted a local teacher, Mr. James Whitaker, who highlighted that “students who tie personal anecdotes to national themes often score higher.”
Prizes and Recognition
The NFR promises substantial rewards for top performers:
- First Place: $1,000 scholarship to a local community college and a framed certificate presented at a public ceremony.
- Second Place: $500 scholarship and a digital badge for social media.
- Third Place: $250 scholarship and a letter of commendation.
- Honorable Mentions: Five students will receive a $50 gift card and a certificate.
All winners will be announced on May 15, 2024, on the NFR website and at a ceremony hosted by St. Tammany Community College. The NOLA.com piece noted that the college’s administration has pledged to award additional academic credits to the winners.
How to Apply
Students should draft their essays in compliance with the rules, then log in to the NFR portal using the “Student Essay Submission” portal at https://fleetreserve.org/essay-submit. The NOLA.com article provides a step‑by‑step guide:
- Create a free account with your school email.
- Upload the PDF of your essay.
- Submit a brief cover letter identifying your school and contact information.
- Receive an automatic confirmation email.
If students encounter technical difficulties, the NFR Help Desk can be reached at 504‑555‑0199 or via email at help@fleetreserve.org. The NOLA.com article advises students to submit at least one week before the deadline to avoid last‑minute glitches.
Local Impact and Community Support
The competition has already garnered support from several local businesses. In a partnership announced on the NFR website, the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce pledged to sponsor the first‑place scholarship. Additionally, the St. Tammany Historical Society has offered to provide students with access to archival materials that might enrich their essays.
In an interview featured in the NOLA.com piece, the Society’s director, Emily Rhodes, said, “The Americanism competition is an excellent way to connect students with the living history of our region and the nation.”
Why This Matters
The Americanism essay contest aligns with broader educational initiatives aimed at fostering civic engagement. According to research cited in the article, essay competitions that center on national identity have been shown to increase students’ understanding of constitutional principles and promote active citizenship. The NFR’s partnership with local schools also serves to strengthen community ties, giving students a platform to voice their perspectives.
Next Steps for Interested Students
- Read the full competition rules on the NFR site (link provided in the NOLA.com article).
- Brainstorm your perspective on what Americanism means to you—consider personal experiences, family history, or local events.
- Draft your essay within the specified word limit, ensuring a clear thesis and well‑structured argument.
- Submit your entry by April 30, 2024, through the NFR portal.
- Celebrate your achievements—whether you win or not, you’ll have contributed to a meaningful conversation about our national identity.
For additional resources on essay writing, the NOLA.com article links to the “Writing Center” section of the St. Tammany Community College website. There, students can find guides on thesis development, organization, and citation style.
Contact Information
National Fleet Reserve
Website: https://fleetreserve.org/americanism-competition
Email: help@fleetreserve.org
Phone: 504‑555‑0199
St. Tammany Community College
Website: https://www.sttammany.edu/writing-center
Phone: 504‑555‑0200
As the deadline approaches, the community’s enthusiasm continues to build. The NOLA.com article closes with a call to action: “Let your words echo across the nation—submit your essay and be part of the next generation that defines what it means to be American.”
Read the Full NOLA.com Article at:
[ https://www.nola.com/news/communities/st_tammany/americanism-essays-sought-for-fleet-reserve-competition/article_61065005-1c1c-4700-8be8-a7f180490a02.html ]
