Essay & Other Writing Contests

Red River Battalion, in partnership with the NCTC Foundation, is proud to host our yearly essay contest!

Submissions must use the Medal of Honor Character Development Program's six character traits as a framework.

• Courage

• Commitment

• Citizenship

• Sacrifice

• Integrity

• Patriotism

Writing Contests

What traits are important in society?

Training Ship Bobcat Essay (ages 10-13) must not exceed 1,000 words and "Using the Medal of Honor Character Development Program’s six-character traits (Courage, Commitment, Citizenship, Sacrifice, Integrity, Patriotism) as a framework, choose one trait that you believe is critical for our society in the Unites states to flourish and develop.  Be sure you explain how you demonstrate this trait in your everyday life.” 

Red River Battalion Essay (ages 14-17) must not exceed 1,500 words and "Using the Medal of Honor Character Development Program’s six-character traits (Courage, Commitment, Citizenship, Sacrifice, Integrity, Patriotism) as a framework, one trait that you believe is critical for our society in the Unites states to flourish and develop.  Be sure you explain how you demonstrate this trait in your everyday life.”

Contest Guidelines

Requirements for All Entries

1. Emailed entries must be in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Rich Text Format (.rtf).

2. All entries must be in Times New Roman or Arial, size 12 font, double-spaced. Allow one-inch margins on all sides. Type on one side of the page only.

3. Originality and good taste in language and subject matter are required; avoid rough language and adult situations. DO not recycle a previous essay.

4. Be sure to include the required entry form with your submission. Multiple-paged entries must have page numbers in the upper-right-hand corner of each page. Attach pages with paper clips, not staples. No title page is necessary. Your name should not appear on the pages of your entry, only on the entry form itself.

Entries that do not comply with all requirements and guidelines may be eliminated from the contest. All paper entries become the property of the Red River Battalion and will not be returned.

Address entries to the contest director.

Ms. Gabrielle Fletcher
Department of English, Speech, and Foreign Language
North Central Texas College
1525 West California Street
Gainesville, Texas 76240-4699

Send electronic entries to gfletcher@nctc.edu.

Deadlines

Submissions are due by NOON on February 18, 2023.

Awards

• First Prize $100.00

• Second Prize $50.00

• Third Prize $25.00

Awards may be presented in a special ceremony on the North Central Texas College campus, depending on circumstances, in Gainesville, Texas.

Prize-winning entries may be published as space permits on the Red River Battalion Facebook page & one winner may have the opportunity to read their essay to Medal of Honor Recipients, depending on circumstances.