HIGH SCHOOLERS: High school students are invited to enter the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest.

The contest is sponsored by the Mahoning Valley Chapter and is open to students attending public, parochial, private or accredited home schools in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

A $5,000 first prize, medal and certificate are awarded to the winner of the National Contest. In addition, the winning essay will be published in the SAR Magazine.

The topic for the essay shall deal with an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, The Declaration of Independence or the Framing of the United States Constitution. Students must write an original essay in English with a minimum of 800 words and maximum of 1,200 words, excluding title page and bibliography.

Essays will be judged for historical accuracy, clarity of thought, organization, proven topic, grammar, spelling and documentation.

Contest entries are due by Dec. 15. Rules and other information about the contest can be obtained by contacting Scott Davis, 234-719-9730 or MVCSSAR@gmail.com.

FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP: A financial aid workshop will be 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Poland Seminary High School. The workshop is geared to parents of graduating seniors and is intended to answer the many questions concerning the financial aid process. Parents of juniors also are welcome to attend to get an idea of what is forthcoming.

Speakers at the workshop will be Gina McHenry from Youngstown State University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, along with Poland High School guidance counselors, Mike Vagas and Liz Calderon.

Topics of discussion are types of financial aid, how the financial aid process works, completing financial aid forms and alternative funding sources for higher education.

GIRARD SETS CLEANUP: Girard has scheduled the fall cleanup at the city cemetery through Oct. 5 for pulling flowers and cleaning graves. After Oct. 5, employees will be remove plants on graves to prepare for holiday wreaths.

OMBUDSMAN NEEDED: Direction Home of Eastern Ohio is looking for volunteers to become ombudsmen to advocate for nursing home and assisted living residents and their families.

Volunteer ombudsmen will receive free training and become a certified ombudsman associate that can be done from home. There are no experience requirements to become an ombudsmen volunteer.

Contact volunteer coordinator Lauren Hughes at 330-505-2338 or at lhughes@dheo.org.