Each year, the Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee of the Benevolent and Protective

Order of Elks offers the Americanism Essay Contest. It is offered to students in the 5th through 8th grades. The theme this year was: “What Does Service to Your Country Mean to You?”. Florence Elks Lodge #1858 offers the contest to the Reedsport Community Charter School, Siuslaw Middle School and Mapleton Schools. All six winners of this year's contest attend the Reedsport Community Charter School. The essays have been forwarded to the Oregon State Elks Association for further judging and those results will be announced later this year. 

In the 7th grade division, awards were presented to first place Madilyn Gunn, second place Charlee Norton and third place Addison Cade. In the 8th grade division, awards were received by first place Angela Austin, second place Olivia Smith and third place Trinity Lyon. The award packets included a signed certificate of participation, a brochure on American Flag protocol, a lapel flag pin and a cash award. The awards were presented at the Florence Elks Lodge #1858 on March 12, 2026.