The Fleet Reserve Association in Slidell invites all students in grades 7 through 12 to participate in the 2025-26 Americanism Essay Contest.

Participants should submit a 350-word essay centered on this year’s theme, “America at 250 Years: What Does it Mean To Me?”

This national contest, sponsored by FRA, is to promote a spirit of patriotism among America’s youth and offers a grand national prize of $1,500, with other recognition in each grade category.

“Each entrant must be sponsored by an FRA member and branch,” explained Dawn Stokes, vice president of local Branch 222. “We’re proud to sponsor students, including those who are home-schooled, from the Slidell, Lacombe, Pearl River and Baton Rouge areas.”

Winners are selected at the branch level in each grade category, and those are fo

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