The annual Americanism Essay Contest provides young Americans with an opportunity to reflect upon their country’s values, history, and future. This contest has been a tradition for generations, nurturing a sense of patriotism and civic engagement among the youth. As a program of the Elks' Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee, this contest is geared towards students in 5th through 8th grades to promote patriotism among young people.

The Essays are judge at the local, district and state level. Each state passes the winners on to compete at the national levels. National winners will be announced closer to the Grand Lodge Convention. Local eligibility include students roughly within 30 mile of the Brainerd Elks #615.

The following students in each grade placed in the Elks Americanism Essay Competition.

In the 6th grade level, local winners:
1st place - Gunner Newell of Forestview Middle School - $100
2nd place - Emily Smith of Forestview Middle School - $75
3rd place - William Kottke of Forestview Middle School - $50

In the 7th grade level, local winners:
1st place - Julian Kurtenn of Pequot Lakes Middle School - $100
2nd place - Gravity Adkins of Forestview Middle School - $75
3rd place - Lydia Allyn of Pequot Lakes Middle School - $50

In the 8th grade level, local winners:
1st place - Mullen Bratney of Forestview Middle School - $100

Essays from Brainerd were sent to the Central District to be judged. There is not a ranking but the top three in each grade is then advanced to the State level.

In the 6th grade level, Central District winners:
Gunner Newell of Forestview Middle School - $50
Emily Smith of Forestview Middle School - $50

In the 7th grade level, Central District winners:
Julian Kurtenn of Pequot Lakes Middle School - $50
Gravity Adkins of Forestview Middle School - $50

In the 8th grade level, Central District winners:
Mullen Bratney of Forestview Middle School - $50

We are extremely pleased to announce that we had two students that not only placed at the Minnesota State level but also won the first place at the state level.

In the 6th grade level, Minnesota State winners:
1st place - Gunner Newell of Forestview Middle School - $300

In the 8th grade level, Minnesota State winners:
1st place - Mullen Bratney of Forestview Middle School - $300

The National Elks Essay winners will receive a $1000 for first place. The National winners will be announced at Grand Lodge Convention in Austin, Texas. Gunner and Mullen, best wishes of good luck from all of us the Brainerd Elks #615.

The theme for the Elks Essay Contest for the 2024 - 2025 school year has been announced. The theme for next year is "What Does Patriotism Mean To Me?"

At Pequot Lakes Middle School students Lydia Allyn and Julian Kurtenn.

At Forestview Middle School, 6th grade students William Kottke, Emily Smith, Gunner Newell.

At Forestview Middle School, 8th grade student Mullen Bratney.
Not Pictured; Gravity Adkins Forestview 7th grader.