GOPUSA - Young Patriots Essay Contest

"It is more important than ever that we instill in our youth an appreciation of the principles and values that have made our country great. With the Young Patriots Essay Contest, GOPUSA is giving our Young Patriots the opportunity and avenue to express and deliberate on what it means to them to live in the greatest country in the world and have the freedoms that come along with it."
-- David Brinton, Member, Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania

View the complete list of Partners in Patriotism

In the wake of September 11, GOPUSA realizes the need to inspire and strengthen the American spirit for what is surely the long fight ahead. GOPUSA also believes in America's youth and supports the goals and objectives of our legislators to improve literacy and education.

In the Young Patriots Essay Contest, GOPUSA seeks to deliver a message of patriotism through the words of America's youth. The contest consisted of an essay on the topic "What it means to be an American" and was open to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders across the country.

A state winner was chosen from all valid essays received from that state. Five national finalists were determined from the state winners. An overall national winner was determined from the five national finalists. The overall national winner will receive a $2,000 savings bond from GOPUSA.

Click on any of the red states or the text links below to read the state winning essays.

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut
Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas
Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota
Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire
New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio
Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina
South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington
West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

GOPUSA thanks all the contestants for their participation. The first-ever Young Patriots Essay Contest was a tremendous success, and we look forward to reaching out to America's youth in the future.