Select a Contest:
The Past is Prologue Essay Contest
Organized by: American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF)
This contest invites students to explore the legacy of American military service overseas by writing about a historic battle linked to a U.S. military cemetery or monument managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).
Age Categories
- Category I: Ages 11–12
- Category II: Ages 13–15
- Category III: Ages 16–18
Contest Overview
- Focus on a specific battle tied to an overseas American cemetery or monument
- Demonstrate historical research, analysis, and personal reflection
- Judged by age category for fairness
- Top essays may be featured and recognized by ABMF
How to Enter
JROTC Essay Contest
The JROTC Essay Contest gives cadets the opportunity to synthesize lessons from the curriculum and express their leadership insights through writing — a cornerstone of 21st Century education.
SY 2024–25 Theme: Integrity
This year’s theme is integrity. Full contest details, rubrics, and essay allocations are provided via the official OPORD and annexes. Consult your Brigade POC for local submission deadlines — they may be earlier than the national suspense date.
SY 2023–24 Winners
Congratulations to these outstanding cadets recognized by their Brigade:
- 2nd BDE
Cadet Danny Song, Cranston High School, Cranston RI
AI: CSM (R) Moniz - 3rd BDE
Cadet David Brol, Marmion Military Academy, Aurora IL
AI: SFC (R) Norton - 4th BDE
Cadet Keone Davis, Goldsboro High School, Goldsboro NC
AI: 1SG (R) Gray - 5th BDE
Cadet Emily Balandran, High School for Law & Justice, Houston TX
SAI: MAJ (R) Bolanos - 6th BDE
Cadet Julissa John, Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
SAI: MAJ Benjamin - 7th BDE
Cadet Te’Onja Hinds, Northwest High School, Clarksville TN
SAI: CW4 (R) Perez - 8th BDE
Cadet MSG Victor Martinez, Samuel F. B. Morse High School, San Diego CA
SAI: MAJ (R) Mathson
Select a Contest:
The Past is Prologue Essay Contest
Organized by: American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF)
This contest invites students to explore the legacy of American military service overseas by writing about a historic battle linked to a U.S. military cemetery or monument managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).
Age Categories
- Category I: Ages 11–12
- Category II: Ages 13–15
- Category III: Ages 16–18
Contest Overview
- Focus on a specific battle tied to an overseas American cemetery or monument
- Demonstrate historical research, analysis, and personal reflection
- Judged by age category for fairness
- Top essays may be featured and recognized by ABMF
How to Enter
JROTC Essay Contest
The JROTC Essay Contest gives cadets the opportunity to synthesize lessons from the curriculum and express their leadership insights through writing — a cornerstone of 21st Century education.
SY 2024–25 Theme: Integrity
This year’s theme is integrity. Full contest details, rubrics, and essay allocations are provided via the official OPORD and annexes. Consult your Brigade POC for local submission deadlines — they may be earlier than the national suspense date.
SY 2023–24 Winners
Congratulations to these outstanding cadets recognized by their Brigade:
- 2nd BDE
Cadet Danny Song, Cranston High School, Cranston RI
AI: CSM (R) Moniz - 3rd BDE
Cadet David Brol, Marmion Military Academy, Aurora IL
AI: SFC (R) Norton - 4th BDE
Cadet Keone Davis, Goldsboro High School, Goldsboro NC
AI: 1SG (R) Gray - 5th BDE
Cadet Emily Balandran, High School for Law & Justice, Houston TX
SAI: MAJ (R) Bolanos - 6th BDE
Cadet Julissa John, Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
SAI: MAJ Benjamin - 7th BDE
Cadet Te’Onja Hinds, Northwest High School, Clarksville TN
SAI: CW4 (R) Perez - 8th BDE
Cadet MSG Victor Martinez, Samuel F. B. Morse High School, San Diego CA
SAI: MAJ (R) Mathson
