National Heritage Freedom Essay Contest
The National Heritage program of Sertoma promotes Freedom, Democracy, and Patriotism in our local communities. The three main areas of the National Heritage activities include distribution of historical documents in the community (Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, US Constitution), essay contests for secondary students, and flag displays throughout the community. The Sertoma Clubs in the Pikes Peak area collectively participate in the National Heritage Freedom Essay Contest for 8th grade students in our area schools. Local Sertoma Clubs sponsor a school(s), meet with principals and 8th grade language arts teachers, and encourage 8th grade students to write a 400 word essay on "What Freedom Means to Me." In our schools, freedom documents are handed out to students and many student essays are collected from each school and judged by club members to select a winner. Many schools also award 2nd and 3rd place prizes. Clubs may choose to award bonds, cash, plaques, etc. for the winning essays and invite the winners to read their essays at a club meeting. Each club sends the 1st place essay to be judged again at the Pikes Peak areawide level. During the United States Freedom Week, which is in February of each year, a dinner is organized where the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winning essays at the area level are selected and recognized. Clubs who have sponsored schools invite members, students, parents and teachers of the club first place winners to this special dinner where the Sertoma International President recognizes the 8th grade students for their exemplary work and thoughts about freedom. Proclamations for Freedom Week from the state governor and city may be read. The top three essays are read by the students and they receive a savings bond, plaque and a US flag that has flown over the capitol in Washington D.C. In conjunction with the banquet, the Sertoma President attends a local club meeting. Other Sertoma members from the area are invited to attend. |
Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby
The Sertoma Clubs of the Pikes Peak District sponsor the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby in June each year. Over 100 volunteers contribute over 1000 hours in planning and running the race. Winners in each of three divisions (Stock, Superstock and Masters) travel to Akron in July to participate in the All American Soap Box Derby. |
H.E.A.R.S. (Hearing Education and Assistance by Rocky Mountain Sertomans)
Since 1988, the Sertoma clubs in the Pikes Peak District have been providing hearing aids and related services to low-income people who could not otherwise afford them. This program serves children and adults in El Paso, Pueblo and Teller Counties. |