2023 Susquehanna Chapter, MOAA

Harford Academy Veterans Day Contest

The Veterans Day Contest provides students attending Harford Academy an opportunity to express their thoughts about Veterans through art and/or words. The contest is presented by the Susquehanna Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

2023 Contest Theme

“Honoring Veterans”

Our Country honors Veterans in many different ways from expressions of thanks and gratitude to parades, award ceremonies, and other public recognition. Other ways to honor veterans include programs that provide health care and education for them or family members, and ceremonies that commemorate their service and sacrifice. Participants will demonstrate the theme “Honoring Veterans,” and what it means to them through their original art and/or words.   

Grade Categories:

• Grades K - 2
• Grades 3 - 5
• Grades 6 - 8
• Grades 9 - 12+

The contest is open to all students attending Harford Academy.

Rules, Submission, and Judging

• Only one entry per student. There is no entry fee to participate.
• For poster entries:
  • Any media may be used, including paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, stickers, paper, etc. Entries may contain family photographs or photographs taken by the student, but may not contain magazine or newspaper illustrations.
  • All entries must be the student’s original creation and may not be traced from photographs or copied from other artists’ published work. No trademarked or copyrighted images or phrases may be used.
• For essay entries:
  • Essays are limited to 800 words or less and must address the theme.
  • The essay must be original work written by the student.
• Create a title for your entry. The title of your entry must be included on the front side of each submission to be eligible.
• Although younger students will most likely receive help in planning from an adult, each student should do their own work. Note: Entries with student handwriting and artwork will score better than those written, designed, drawn, and/or colored with adult assistance.
• All entries must be submitted electronically in JPEG, PDF or Microsoft Word format.
  • Physical posters should be photographed or scanned to create a digital poster for submission, using any standard software that can be opened on a Windows platform. Photographs must be clear and well-framed.
  • Each digital file should be named in the following format: Grade Level_First Name_Last Name of the student. (Example: Grade 4 John Doe)
  • Each entry must be submitted with an entry form to be eligible for judging. The form must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian.
• Entries must be submitted by October 16, 2023.
• The judging panel may include representatives from MOAA, educators, and community members.
• Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • For posters: Theme, 25%; Personal Expression, 25%; Craftmanship, 25%; Visual appeal and clarity, 25%.
  • For essays: Expression of theme, 50%; Thoughtfulness and Creativity, 50%.

To Enter the Contest

• Complete the 2023 MOAA Harford Academy Veterans Day Contest Entry Form that can be downloaded from Susquehanna Chapter MOAA website at https://www.moaasusquehanna.org/contest   
• Completed contest entry forms and digital submissions in JPEG, PDF, or Microsoft Word format should be emailed to moaapostercontest@gmail.com 
• All entries must be received by October 16, 2023.

All artists, including the winners, will retain the rights to their work. Entry in the contest constitutes full permission to publish names and photos of winners and their art without further compensation. The determination of eligibility of entries and any interpretation of these rules is at the sole discretion of the Contest Committee of the Susquehanna Chapter, Military Officers Association of America. Decisions shall be final and binding upon all entrants.

Appropriate accommodation for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request.  Please let us know of any special needs by emailing moaapostercontest@gmail.com.

Prizes & Recognition

The top three entries in each grade category will receive monetary prizes. First place winners will receive $50, second place winners will receive $35, and third place winners will receive $25. Winners will also receive a special challenge coin. Monetary prizes are sponsored by Boyle Buick.

Every participant will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Winners will be recognized during an award ceremony. Winning entries will also be forwarded to the Military Officers Association of America for consideration to be published in their monthly national magazine. Local news media outlets may also publish the winning or other entries.

Entry Forms and Scoring Rubrics