October 14,2014
Dear School Principal,
I’m pleased to announce the Blue Springs Elks Lodge, in conjunction with our State Association, is
hosting an essay contest for our community youth in Grades 5-8. Your students are invited to write
an essay on “What the Pledge of Allegiance means to me?
The essay contest is divided into two divisions – Division I (Grades 5 and 6) and Division II (Grades 7
and 8). Essays will be judged on the following criteria: originality (avoid the use of stale or worn out
words and phrases) – 30 points; theme development (stay focused on ideas and thoughts – don’t
ramble) – 40 points; and proper spelling, grammar and punctuation – 30 points. Essays are limited
to 250 words or less, either typed or legibly printed in blue or black ink.
From the entries we receive, three (3) essays will be selected from each division and awarded a
Cash prize issued by the Blue Springs Elks Lodge as follows:
 1st place - $300.00 US Cash Prize
 2nd place - $200.00 US Cash Prize
 3rd place - $50.00 US Cash Prize
 The six (6) winning essays will be forwarded to our District Level Committee which will
select the top six (6) essays from those submitted at the district level and forward them
to the State Level Committee. Six (6) essays will be selected at the state level and will
receive prizes for the first-, second-, and third-place winning essays in each division will
be presented as follows:
 1st place - $150.00 US Patriot Savings Bond
 2nd place – $100.00 US Patriot Savings Bond
 3rd place - $50.00 US Patriot Savings Bond
I would like to encourage your students to participate in this great event, show what it means to be
a citizen of this wonderful nation and how proud they are to be an American.
Attached is information to share with your students and teachers. If needed, you may copy the
information or contact me for additional copies. Please mail all entries to my attention by the entry
deadline of December 19, 2014. Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Respectfully Yours,
Doug Jordan, Exalted Ruler
Blue Springs Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) #2509
100 NE Brizendine Road
Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 868-9802 cell
(816) 229-6081 Lodge