By Jim Thomas, Kiwanis Club Essay Chairman
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Kiwanis Club of Clarksville’s Annual Veteran Essay Contest will take place Monday, October 27th for 6-12th grade students.
The essay title is “What Support from the Home Front meant to (veteran or active duty military)”. This is the 14th annual contest open to Montgomery County and Fort Campbell students.
Students may interview local veterans or active duty military and family members. “Respect for the service and sacrifice of our military is the purpose for this project.” said Air Force veteran and Essay Chairman Jim Thomas.
Essays must be turned in at the student’s school. The top three school essays and all others must be submitted to the CMCSS Central Office or the Kiwanis Club Office by Friday, October 31 to be eligible. Winners will be announced at the Awards Luncheon on Veterans Day, November 11. School principals, students, parents, the interviewed veterans, and teachers of the school winners are invited to attend.
Entries must be original and unpublished, and will be judged anonymously on the basis of originality and the student’s ability to convey an understanding of the veteran’s experience. Judges will be a panel of veterans and military history professors.
Each school winner will receive $100 cash and a plaque, with the Grand Middle and High School winners receiving an extra $100, flag formerly flown over the US Capitol, and a special award. The schools in each division with the most essays receive an award and flag.
Previous winning essays are posted here.
Essays will be archived in the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library for future research. The essays become the property of the Memories of Service and Sacrifice Project sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Clarksville, TN.
Teachers in need of a veteran speaker or interview should call Jim at 931-503-0526. Essay guidelines and student form can be found on the Kiwanis Facebook page at or the CMCSS website.