SIDNEY — The Sidney Elks Lodge No. 786 has announced the Elks Grand Lodge’s annual Americanism Essay Contest for fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

This year’s topic is “What Can I Do to Promote Americanism and Love of Country?” Entries must be 250 words or less, typed or printed legibly in ink, and will be judged on content, originality and neatness. An official cover sheet must accompany each entry. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 16.

The contest is divided into Division I for fifth- and sixth-grade students and Division II for seventh- and eighth-grade students.

Members of the local lodge will choose the top three in each division and send them to the district chairman. The Sidney Elks have had nine district winners during the last four years.

For information or to get a copy of the cover sheet, parents should email [email protected] or call 937-726-0755.