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 The three main areas of the National Heritage activities include distribution of historical documents in the community (Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, US Constitution), essay contests for secondary students, and flag displays throughout the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 of the South Colorado District 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 the district to be judged again at the district level.
During the United States Freedom Week, which is in February of each year, a District dinner (in conjunction with Continental Divide District) is organized where the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winning essays at the district level are selected and recognized. Clubs who have sponsored schools invite members, students, parents and teachers of the club winners to this special dinner where the Sertoma, Inc. 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 are 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.
Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby
The Sertoma Clubs of the South Colorado and Continental Divide Districts 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.
The goals of the Soap Box Derby program are to promote families working together to teach youngsters some of the basic skills of workmanship, along with the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue a project to completion. Each driver (age 8 -17) must build their own car, with adult help, to qualify for the race.
To learn more about the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby, visit their website at ppsbd.com
Sertoma Street Breakfast
The annual Sertoma Street Breakfast is held each June, hosted by local Sertoma clubs, the Range Riders and Fort Carson. In addition to a breakfast of eggs, pancakes, coffee, juice and milk prepared by troops from Fort Carson, the event sees off the Range Riders on their annual five day trek to kick off the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. The breakfast serves 5,000-6,000 people and raises about $9,000. Local high schools and Serteen clubs also participate in the set up of the hay bales that provide the "seating." Proceeds benefit Fort Carson military charities.
H.E.A.R.S. (Hearing Education and Assistance by Rocky Mountain Sertomans
Since 1988, the Sertoma clubs in the Continental Divide and Southern Colorado Districts 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.
Funding comes from SERTOMA clubs and representatives of the clubs administer the program. Working with local audiologists and ENT's (ear, nose and throat doctors) who offer their services at a reduced rate for this program, the H.E.A.R.S. program has provided brand-new hearing aids to over 2,300 qualified individuals ranging in age from 18 months to 100+.
Prospective clients complete an application to determine the level of assistance, based on income. You can receive an application for the H.E.A.R.S. program by contacting a local SERTOMA club or calling 719-352-5124.