Announcing the 2025 young Patriot Essay Contest

JCU members, alumni, and families, I am pleased to announce the 10th Annual Young Patriots Essay Contest. The goal of the contest is to raise patriotism awareness among our middle and high school students and is a joint initiative between Dell Inc. and the Special Operations Communicators Association (SOCA). Child dependents of SOCA Members (grades 6-12) are encouraged to submit an essay on the below listed topic to the Young Patriots Essay Committee. The committee will select two winners (one from each category) from all qualified entries and award each winner a Dell computer. It is SOCA’s goal to show our appreciation to those who contribute and sacrifice so much in support of our Country’s national objectives. SOCA thanks the members of JCU and your families for all you do.

Applicants must submit a 1-2 page essay on the below question via the SOCA website. Ensure you attach your last report card and essay in a digital format. Entries must be received by JUNE 27, 2025 The winners will be notified by July 15, 2025.

NOTE: When writing your essay, please keep it anonymous for grading purposes. When grading occurs, essays are reviewed for anonymity by the Director of Operations, numbered, and given to the committee with grading sheets.

• 2025 Young Patriots Essay Topics:
• CAT 1: What does it mean to be a patriotic American, and how can young people show their love for their country?
• CAT 2: How can patriotism be expressed in a diverse and democratic society, and what responsibilities come with being a patriotic citizen?

The use of AI to fully write your essay will be checked against an AI detector. We support the use
of AI but want you to use new technology to brainstorm and assist you, not think for you.

Attach your report card and essay submission on the SOCA website. Email events@thesoca.org with your questions. www.thesoca.org. Navigate to Initiatives and the drop-down will have Young Patriots Essay; click on that to take you to the submission form.

Missing information may come in to play if grading is tight.