Local high school students with an interest in the American Revolution are invited to take part in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. 

The contest, sponsored by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), is open to all U.S. citizens and legal residents from ninth through 12th-grade students who attend homeschools, public, parochial or private high schools, according to an SAR press release. 

To take part in the contest, students need to submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence or the framing of the U.S. Constitution.  

The release states that the essays will be judged on historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and documentation.  

The contest is organized in three phases: the local chapter, state-level society and national phases. 

Local winners will be able to compete at the state level. State winners will then move on to the national competition.  

Awards, including medals, certificates and cash prizes, will be handed out at the chapter, state and national levels. 

A student must enter the contest through an SAR chapter that is close to his or her residence. It should be noted that only one entry per student is allowed per essay contest.  

Gainesville area students can contact SAR Gainesville Chapter President Randal Highsmith at Randal.Highsmith@gmail.com for more details on where to submit their essays. 

The deadline for entering the contest is Dec. 19.