American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Illinois
Subject: Education October 2007
“It takes a TEAM to Educate a Student”
The Education TEAM includes everyone, parents, teachers and Auxiliary members who understand that Education is a lifelong learning process that is an important part of success and must be encouraged to ensure the future of our youth. The Mission Statement for the National Education Committee is “to promote quality education for every child and support students in their desire to continue education beyond high school. And to assure that a solid education is available to both children and adults, through classroom activities, literacy programs and scholarship promotion.”
There are four areas of emphasis in the Education program this year.
Literacy – To promote oral and written communication skills for students, Pre-kindergarten through college, as well as with adults. Encourage Auxiliary members to become involved in community literacy programs to serve as mentors for adults who have the desire to learn to read and write. We ask that you instill the love of reading in Children. Encourage members to become active in their local elementary schools and libraries by listening to children read, participate in guest reader programs and motive children to read.
A new addition to the Education program this year is the “Give 10 to Education”; this program asks units to give 10 of something to their schools, such as 10 boxes of crayons, 10 books for the library, $10 toward a school activity or program, or 10 minutes to read a story to a class, these are just a few examples of the Give 10 to Education program that can be done, the possibilities are endless. Every Unit that participates in the “Give 10 to Education” and sends in the appropriate paperwork will receive a citation.
Veterans in the Classroom: Connect with schools in your community as an American Legion Family. Veterans in the classroom will provide first hand experience, engaging students and bringing history to life. This program will provide positive adult role models and instill in students Patriotism and Americanism. Encourage units to create partnerships with their local schools; to promote flag etiquette and respect by using the DVD “For Which it Stands, make visits for Veteran’s Day and explain the sacrifices made by soldiers by using the DVD “America’s Veterans along with personal visits.
Supporting American Legion Education Programs: To work collaboratively with members of The American Legion in support of improved education and educational opportunities for all age levels. Encourage units to promote and assist with the Oratorical Contest, support the American Legion’s Policy on Education, by recognizing the value of education, have your members participate and serve on school committees and boards, parent-teacher organizations and school related councils and participate in American Education Week November 12-19, 2007, this years theme is “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and our Responsibility”. Ask your Units to do something special for the teachers and other school personnel. Possible ideas might include but limited too: write thank you notes, take snacks or a basket of apples to the teacher’s lounge with a note, Volunteer in the classroom or place an ad in your local newspaper thanking all school personnel.
Scholarships: Education is expensive and quality education is a precious commodity. The American Legion Auxiliary seeks to assist student in their pursuit of higher education by awarding Unit, Department and National Scholarships to deserving students to pursue their dreams. Units can work with their High Schools to obtain an applicant! Start Now! Make sure that your High School is aware of the book “Need a Lift!” It is a valuable resource that lists educational opportunities, careers, loans, scholarship and employment. It is available from National Emblem Sales for $3.00, and is now available on line at www.needalift.com. Another resource is the brochure entitled “Guide for Parents and Students” It gives hints and suggestions for planning ahead for secondary education.
National has three Scholarships available under the education program:
- · National President’s Scholarship – is awarded to children of Veterans who served in the Armed Forces during the eligibility dates for The American Legion. One $2,500, one $2,000 and one $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.
- · Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members – One Junior member in each Division (at the National Level) will receive a scholarship valued at $1,000 per year for four years.
- · Non-Traditional Student Scholarship – this scholarship is available for a student returning to the classroom after some period of time in which his or her formal schooling was interrupted or a student who has had at least one year of college and is in need of financial assistance to pursue an undergraduate degree. The applicant must be a member of the American Legion Family. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded in each Division at the National level.
The above three scholarships require an essay be written and community service hours be accumulated along with having membership requirements. The applications for these scholarships must be requested from the Department Office and returned to the Department Office for judging.
Illinois Scholarships include:
- Ada Mucklestone Memorial Scholarship – Candidates for this scholarship shall be children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of veterans who served in the Armed Forces during the eligibility dates for membership in the American Legion. This scholarship if for students finishing their senior year of high school or a graduate of an accredited high school, but may not have attended an institution of higher learning. Awarding one $1,200, one $1,000 and additional $800 scholarships as funds permit. Applicant must be a resident of the State of Illinois.
- Illinois Scholarship for Junior Members – Candidates for this scholarship shall be Junior members of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Illinois. Said Junior to have held membership in the Department of Illinois American Legion Auxiliary for the past three years and must now hold a Junior membership card for 2008. Awarding one $900 and additional $800 scholarships as funds permit.
- Mildred R. Knoles Scholarship – is an opportunity for students continuing their education. Candidates for this scholarship shall be veterans, children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of veterans who have served during the eligibility dates, who are in need of financial assistance to continue their college/university education and who is a resident of the State of Illinois. Awarding one $1,000 and additional $800 scholarships as funds permit.
- Marie Sheehe Business/Trade School Scholarship – Candidates for this scholarship shall be children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of veterans who have served during the eligibility dates, who are in need of financial assistance to continue their education by attending a business or trade school. Awarding as many $800 scholarships as funds permit. Applicant must be a resident of the State of Illinois.
- Past President’s Club of Illinois Scholarship – Candidates for this scholarship shall be pursuing Graduate Studies toward obtaining a Graduate Degree and is a full time student. Candidates shall be veterans, children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of veterans who have served during the eligibility dates for membership and who are in financial need. One $800 scholarship will be awarded. Applicant must be a resident of the State of Illinois.
Please read and follow all rules carefully!
Units may once again submit an application for the following:
- One Department Scholarship (Ada Mucklestone, Marie Sheehe, Illinois Scholarship for Junior members and the Mildred R. Knoles)
- One application for the Past President’s Club Scholarship
- One application for a National Scholarship
Units must also make a contribution to the Education Fund by March 15, 2008.
Please remember if a student has already received an Illinois scholarship, they may not apply for a second scholarship. However, those who applied and did not receive a scholarship are encouraged to re-apply.
National Awards
- President’s Award for Excellence – An award to the Unit with the Best Overall Education Program. Entries must be in narrative form not to exceed 1,500 words and must include the name of the Department, name and number of the Unit, and the name and address of the Unit Chairman. Pictures may be included with your entry. There are some changes this year. The Unit program must meet all required elements as stated in the Plan of Work including participation in American Education Week activities, promotion of scholarship programs and support of literacy and Veterans in the Classroom program. The new National Awards Application Cover Sheet must accompany entry. This award will be presented on the convention at the 2008 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. These entries must be submitted to the Coral Grout, National Education Chairman, 464 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475-1207 by June 1, 2008.
Other National Unit Awards – New this year is a universal award cover sheet that must accompany each entry. (Included with this packet)
- Most Outstanding American Education week – A citation plaque will be presented to the Unit Education chairman for the most outstanding American Education Week program. Award entry shall be double spaced in narrative form and must not exceed 1,000 words. The cover page should have the name of the award entry, Department name, Unit name, and name and address of the Unit Chairman. A copy of the Unit’s Department report form must accompany the narrative. Entries must be judged at the Department level and forwarded appropriately by June 1, 2008. Do not include pictures, clippings, etc. Please mail entry to: Teri Miller, National Education Vice-Chairman, 315 W. Republic, Peoria, IL 61604-3540.
- Most Outstanding Literacy Program - A citation plaque will be presented to the Unit Education chairman for the most outstanding literacy program. Award entry shall be double spaced in narrative form and must not exceed 1,000 words. The cover page should have the name of the award entry, Department name, Unit name, and name and address of the Unit Chairman. A copy of the Unit’s Department report form must accompany the narrative. Entries must be judged at the Department level and forwarded appropriately by June 1, 2008. Do not include pictures, clippings, etc. Please mail entry to: Sandra Neylon, Education Committee Member, P.O. Box 364, Twin Mountain, NH 03595-0364
- Most Outstanding Scholarship Program – A citation plaque will be presented to the Unit Education chairman for the most outstanding scholarship program. Award entry shall be double spaced in narrative form and must not exceed 1,000 words. The cover page should have the name of the award entry, Department name, Unit name, and name and address of the Unit Chairman. A copy of the Unit’s Department report form must accompany the narrative. Entries must be judged at the Department level and forwarded appropriately by June 1, 2008. Do not include pictures, clippings, etc. Please mail entry to: Penny Maklary, National Education Committee Member, 1354 12th Street, Douglas, AZ 85607-2341.
- Most Outstanding Veterans in the Classroom Program - A citation plaque will be presented to the Unit Education chairman for the most outstanding veterans in the classroom program. Award entry shall be double spaced in narrative form and must not exceed 1,000 words. The cover page should have the name of the award entry, Department name, Unit name, and name and address of the Unit Chairman. A copy of the Unit’s Department report form must accompany the narrative. Entries must be judged at the Department level and forwarded appropriately by June 1, 2008 Do not include pictures, clippings, etc. Please mail entry to: Teri Miller, National Education Vice Chairman, 315 W. Republic, Peoria, IL 61604-3540.
- “Give 10 to Education” – A citation will be awarded to every Unit participating in the “Give 10 to Education” program. The unit must complete the form and submit to the Paulette Anderson, Central Division Education Chairman, P. O. Box 17, N. Martinsville, WV 26155-9731, with a copy of annual report highlighting participation in “Give 10 Education” by June 1, 2008.
Department Awards:
- Ruby’s Canteen Dancers Plaque – to the Unit for the best overall participation in the Education program – judged from the Unit report form.
- Bea Allen Plaque – to the Unit with the highest percentage f contributions by May 15th to the Education program based on previous year’s membership as of July 31st.
Personal Awards:
- Runner-up to the Ruby’s Canteen Dancers Plaque
- Runner-up to the Bea Allen Plaque
- $5.00 cash award to each of the four Narratives forwarded to National for competition.
Teri Miller – Education Chairman
Pat Kranzow – Committee Member
Ramona Henricks – Committee Member
Detach and mail to:
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Illinois
P. O. Box 1426
Bloomington, IL 61702-1426
Date ___________________
Unit Name ________________________________________ Unit No. ________________District ________________________________ Located at
Wishes to Contribute _____________________ to the Education Fund.
Signed ______________________________
Address _____________________________
City _______________________________
