Youth News for Aug. 31, 2012
Students can win cash, trip for essay about United States
With the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest, sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution, high school students can win money by researching and writing a winning essay on the origins of the nation.
Prizes are awarded at local, state and national levels.
The General Philemon Thomas Chapter of Baton Rouge sponsors the contest at the local level, offering a $1,000 prize and entry into the statewide contest.
The statewide winner gets another $500 and entry into the national contest, where the prize for winning is $2,000, plus an expense-paid trip to the Sons of the American Revolution convention in July 2013. The national contest also offers $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place.
The essays should address “an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence or the framing of the United States Constitution,” John Bilisoly, Baton Rouge essay chairman, said in a letter to The Advocate.
The contest is open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Essays should be at least 800 words, but not more than 1,200 words. Essays are due by Dec. 31.
To find complete rules, go online to http://www.sar.org, click “Education” and select the essay contest. Questions can also be directed to Bilisoly at (225) 383-5444.
Send completed essays to Bilisoly at 1037 Richland Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
Wilborn earns Eagle Scout
A Baton Rouge teen recently received the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America that a young man can earn.
Only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts earn the Eagle rank.
To earn it, a Scout must progress through six ranks, serve in a leadership position within his troop, provide service to the community and earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, of which 12 — in such areas as finance, family, citizenship and personal fitness — are required.
A Scout must also plan, develop and give leadership to a service project for any religious organization or any school or community.
Daniel Wilborn
AGE: 17
SCHOOL: Baton Rouge Magnet High School, senior
TROOP: 478
TROOP LEADER: Steve Beatty
SPONSOR: Broadmoor United Methodist Church
EAGLE PROJECT: Pressure- washed and painted Gables Academy, a small private school that helps educate students who had difficulty learning in a traditional setting and who benefit from smaller classes. The project was completed by 24 people and took 89 hours.
COURT OF HONOR DATE: Sunday
EXTRA: Attended Sea Base in Florida, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, a troop trip to London and Paris, summer camps in Spanish Peaks, Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas and North Carolina. He plays double bass in the Baton Rouge High advanced orchestra and guitar in the band at St. Andrews United Methodist Church. He intends to major in computer science and minor in music at LSU.
PARENTS: Gerald and Christa Wilborn
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