The East Troy Area Historical Society and American Legion Post 188 will host a “What Do You Think It Means to Be an American” essay contest commemorating 250 years of freedom."


    The purpose of the essay contest is to allow students to reflect on what it means to be an American and to express their personal understanding of their country and their relationship to it. Rather than serving as a research paper, the essay challenges students to draw from what they have learned and experienced over time.


    The contest is designed to encourage critical thinking, creativity, strong grammar and vocabulary skills, and the ability to follow structured guidelines. Essays must adhere to the theme, be 300–400 words in length, and meet specific formatting requirements. AI and plagiarism are prohibited.


    Students interested in entering should submit hard copies of their essays to the East Troy High School office by the designated deadline, after which entries will be reviewed and judged according to established criteria.