americanism essay contest scholarship

AEL Collegiate Essay Contest

About the scholarship, eligibility and requirements, submission guidelines.

• 2023 Award Recipients
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Award Amount

Each year, an award in the amount of $2,500 is issued for the best submission.

For any questions, contact  [email protected] . 

Pepperdine Libraries is pleased to facilitate an annual essay contest for U.S. college students. Americanism Educational Leaders, which supports this scholarship, strives to provide students with opportunities to discover, understand, and appreciate some aspect of the American experience. Stay tuned for the details on the 2024 scholarship.

The eligibility requirements are as follows: 

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a current undergraduate college or university student in an accredited four-year U.S. college or university . Incoming first-year students (i.e., high school seniors) and college students who graduate the year of the competition are eligible to apply. 

Essay Guidelines

Since this is an academic paper, cited sources are expected. You may use MLA  or  Chicago  formatting.

The essay length is a minimum of 5 pages and a maximum of 8 pages (approximately 1,500-2,000 words), using a standard font set to 12-point with double-spacing and 1-inch margins.  

A bibliography does not count towards or against the page length requirement.

Essays will be judged on the following criteria: 

1. Is there a clear thesis statement?

2. Does the essay body support the thesis?

3. Does the author support major claims with proper citation?

4. Does the author address the essay prompt?

5. Was a variety of authoritative sources used?

6. Literary style and grammar.

Submission Instructions

• Applications will only be accepted via a Google Form. Prospective applicants will need to sign into a Google account to access the application. Don't have a Google account? Sign up for free here: https://accounts.google.com/Signup . 
• Complete applications must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. 
• Essays will only be accepted in PDF format, attached to application. Do not include your name within the document. Name the file using your application ID, which is your phone number without spaces, hyphens, or parentheses (ex., "3105551234.pdf").
• Failure to follow these requirements will result in disqualification.
• Next: 2023 Award Recipients >>
• Last Updated: Feb 19, 2024 2:36 PM
• URL: https://infoguides.pepperdine.edu/AEL

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Americanism Essay Contest provides opportunity for youth across the country

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In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

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FRA Branch 172

• Americanism Essay Contest

2024 Winner Kamryn Couture and Branch Vice President Dave Surran

2022 Winner Emma Coldsnow and Branch President Bob Ryan

​FRA sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA’s Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7 through 12, including those who are home schooled.  Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the  December 1st deadline .  Local winners are forwarded for competition at the regional level and regional winners compete for national prizes.  ​ The grand national winner receives $1,500.  Other winners receive $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place.  Each national winner will receive an attractive plaque citing his/her achievement, and every entrant judged at the national level receives a certificate of recognition. Prizes may be awarded to students winning at local and regional levels of competition.

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2023-2024 contest.

EssayCoverSheet (1) (pdf)

EssayRules (pdf)

2022 Americanism Essay Contest Winners For Grades 7–12

Essay Contest Winners

7th grade  

1st Alexis Taylor 

8th grade 

1st Isadora Marshall 

2nd Annabel Marshall 

3rd Kamryn Schissler 

9th grade  

1st Shabad Singh 

2nd Lily McCallister 

10th grade  

1st Amanda Collingham 

11th grade  

1st Julia Kries 

2nd Sumiya Rahaman 

3rd Ashley Smith 

12th grade 

1st Ryan Taylor 

2nd Sara Chapple 

3rd Nadia Roebuck

Kim Biggs   Local and Regional Chairman for the Essay Contest

Americanism and Patriotism Committee Program

FRA sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA's Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7 through 12, including those who are home schooled.  Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the December 1st deadline .  Local winners are forwarded for competition at the regional level and regional winners compete for national prizes.  ​ The grand national winner will receive $5,000, with additional prizes for the top three essays in each grade category ($2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place).  Each national winner will receive an attractive plaque citing his/her achievement, and every entrant judged at the national level receives a certificate of recognition. Additional prizes may be awarded to students winning at local and regional levels of competition.

Send your essay package to:

Sponsor Branch: 024-MD, ANNAPOLIS 

Name : Kim Biggs 

Address : 283 Overleaf Dr 

Arnold, MD 21012-1947 

Email : [email protected]  

Phone : (410) 279-9874 

Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 24

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Americanism

What is the AMVETS Americanism Program?

The AMVETS Americanism Program is a patriotic program the organization offers schools and youth organizations as a resource for teaching children in kindergarten through 12th grade about their American heritage, civics and citizenship. The program includes flag drawing, poster and essay contests that are grade specific and age appropriate.

Who is eligible? All school age children, K-12. They may attend public, private, parochial schools or may be home schooled. Participants may also come through any youth group such as Scouting or from Church Sunday schools. Students in kindergarten–1st grade can enter the Flag Drawing contest. Students in 2nd–5th grades can enter the Poster contest. Students in 6th–12th grades can enter the Essay Writing contest

How does a child or young adult participate? Teachers or youth group leaders hopefully will take the initiative to involve their students. The program addresses learning standards in civics and presents excellent topics for writing and art assignments, which teachers can incorporate into their classes.Teachers may also contact a local AMVETS post or department to invite veterans to visit their classes. Students whose teachers or schools are not participating in the program can still enter the contest specific to their grade as a take-home or after-school project. Parents may contact a local AMVETS post or department, on behalf of their children, to submit entries or contact the AMVETS National Programs Department at 301-683-4031.

How do I enter? Entry forms (PDF files) with contest rules, including t he “themes” can be downloaded by clicking on the following link: Americanism Contest Packet  – PDF file (1.23 MB)

Future Themes:

2023-2024: “Why is it Important to Vote?” 

2023 Winners  K-12th :

Posters                                                                      Essays  

Kindergarten

1st place- Avacyn Kuehl   WI  45

2nd place- Jonathan Simmon  ID 01

1st place- Kimber Ware   WA 01

2nd place- Murdoch Klinedinst   PA 274

1st place- Elizabeth Taylor   Dept of TN

2nd place- Ruby Stroh           ND 20

1st place- Brileigh Wolff            ND 20

2nd place- Tymofii Haikevych   MA 12

1st place- Blake Hoffman   PA 274

2nd place- Julia Stauss        NE 15

1st place- Elizabeth Behm     MI 23

2nd place- Gavin M. Gehres  OH 1991

1st place – Aries Vanover       CA 1996

2nd place – Madison Hoyle    NE 15

7th Grade  

1st place – Ellie Altringer  ND 20

2nd place – Benjamin Wu   Dept. of  WA

1st place- Issaron Lewis-Hunt  NE 4

2nd place- Elyse Day   OH 9

1st place- Kendra Pritzl   WI 50

2nd place-  Alexandria Constance Helbing    PA  189

1st  place- Eric Lundy      IL  268

2nd place- Danni Diamond    WI   50

1st place     Ashley Fundersol     TN 75

2nd place    Hunter Griffith         ND 20

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Americanism Essay Contest

FRA sponsors an annual essay contest to promote the spirit of Americanism and patriotism among our country’s youth. FRA's Americanism Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 7 through 12, including those who are home schooled.  Students are invited to submit a 350-word essay through an FRA member or local FRA branch before the December 1st deadline.  Local winners are forwarded for competition at the regional level and regional winners compete for national prizes.

The grand national winner receives $1,500.  Other winners receive $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place.  Each national winner will receive an attractive plaque citing his/her achievement, and every entrant judged at the national level receives a certificate of recognition. Prizes may be awarded to students winning at local and regional levels of competition.

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Encourage youth to participate in Americanism Essay Contest

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ALA Mission Statement

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

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Youth Scholarships

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, download the  2024-2025 entry form here  and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

About the 2023-2024 winner ...

Sophia Lin, a high school junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, was named the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Sophia's speech on the theme, "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" won her a $35,000 college scholarship. Sophia was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513. Watch as Sophia delivered her speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award  ceremony or read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, or see this year's complete list of winners .

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay,  download the 2024-2025 entry form here  and find your sponsoring local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

Bryant Day, an eighth grade student from Ashland, Ohio, was named the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Inspired by America?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Bryant was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio.

Watch as Bryant delivered his winning essay during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or read  his essay here.  See the complete list of 2024 national winners .

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2023-2024 VOD Winners

Voice of democracy entry form, voice of democracy national scholarship listing, 2023-2024 patriot's pen winners, patriot's pen entry form, patriot's pen national scholarship listing, sponsor a youth scholarship.

Americanism Essay Contest Scholarship

🏆 available: 15, scholarship description.

All Illinois School students in the 7th and 8th grades and Junior and Senior High School are invited to participate in this contest. All contestants must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States of America and a bona fide student in a Junior or Senior High School. Home schooled will be competing at their own grade level according to age. Submission deadline is first Friday in February.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must currently be in high school
• Type of institution award is open to: trade/technical school

Application Requirements

• Application form required
• Essay required
• Entry in a contest required

How To Apply

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Donor: American Legion Department of Illinois

The American Legion was founded as a patriotic, mutual-help, wartime veterans organization. Conducts numerous programs of interest and benefit to veterans, their families and communities.

Latah County Human Rights Task Force

Strengthening the bonds of community to embrace diversity and reject bigotry..

Art and Essay Contest

Each year a topic concerning human rights is chosen with grade-specific contest parameters.  The information below is provided for the 2023-24 contest.

LATAH COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS TASK FORCE 2023-24 MARTIN LUTHER KING ART AND ESSAY CONTEST THEME: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND OUR LIBRARIES

american legion essay contest examples

American Legion Auxiliary units nationwide sponsor the essay contest for all third- through 12th-grade students, including those with disabilities. The essay contest cover sheet identifies the six classes determined by grade level, with specific word count requirements and a checklist to ensure fulfillment of all requirements.

The Americanism Essay Contest was created to teach students the value of patriotism and what it means to be Americans. Thousands of students participate in the program each year and help promote a lifelong respect of our flag and country. Students (grades 3 to 12) explore the fundamental rights and freedoms we enjoy today.

Example EssayE. iate Release(Student's name), (age) years old and a (grade) at (name of high school), has participated in the Pennsylvania American Legion E. ay Contest. (Student's last name) represents Am. rican Legion(Post name and number) in (Community), from the (numb. ) District. The Essay Contest was developed by the American Legion ...

The American Legion Department of Pennsylvania PO Box 2324 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2324 (717) 730-9100. www.pa-legion.com. 23 ESSAY CONTEST RULES & REGULATIONS . WHAT DOES AMERICANISM MEAN TO ME?"Any student enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in a public, private or parochial, cyber school or who is home schooled in Pen.

2024 Cover Sheet. Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) sponsors an Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades 3-12, including students with special needs. Grade levels are divided into six classes. One award in each of the six classes will be presented in each division. Winners will receive $50 and a $50 donation in the student ...

The 2020 Essay Contest Subject and Title is: The American Legion - Department of Illinois, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion are co-sponsors of this AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST. It's purpose is to aid the schools of Illinois in the teaching of AMERICANISM and GOOD CITIZENSHIP. THREE CLASSES

Thank you for your interest in the Americanism Essay Contest. The essay must reach the local American Legion Post: Submit electronically in either Word or pdf format to: [email protected] . Or by mail to: American Legion Post 43. Americanism Essay Contest PO Box 4 Naperville, IL 60566 . Neal Kemp Chairman. [email protected]

Posted On: Wednesday, 09 March 2022. The Americanism Essay Contest is an opportunity for our youth to hone their writing skills. The American Legion Auxiliary national president helps provide the essay title that will reflect the national president's focus for the year. This year, the title is, "How can we support families who provide care ...

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak ...

Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) sponsors an Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades 3-12, including students with special needs. Grade levels are divided into six classes. One award in each of the six classes will be presented in each division. Winners will receive $50 and a $50 donation in the student's name will be ...

AMERICAN LEGION 87TH ANNUAL ESSAY CONTEST FOR GRADES 9-12 The American Legion Department of Pennsylvania PO Box 2324 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2324 (717) 730-9100 www.pa-legion.com (Questions on Essay Contest rules or procedures can be directed to any committee member)

Grades 9-12 should not exceed 500 words. Essays will be judged on material, originality and neatness. First place winner in each category will receive a certificate and medal. Entries must include National cover sheet completed. Units to send entries to Department Americanism Chairman by April 1st.

THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION DETACHMENT OF ILLINOIS. is AMERICANISM. inois in the teach-ing of AMERICANISM a. SHIP.THREE CLASSESThe contest is divided into the foll. 11th and 12th gradeAll Illinois School students in the 7th and 8th grades and Junior and Senior High School are invited to particip.

The 2018 Essay Contest Subject and Title is: The American Legion - Department of Illinois, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion are co-sponsors of this AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST. It's purpose is to aid the schools of Illinois in the teaching of AMERICANISM and GOOD CITIZENSHIP. THREE CLASSES

Encourage youth to participate in Americanism Essay Contest. Guest blog post by Michele DeGennaro, National Americanism Committee Chair 2022-2023 Check with your department for deadline date Each year, thousands of students across the country participate in the American Legion Auxiliary's annual Americanism Essay Contest.

On the National Webpage thereis also a link to Action Programs of Americanism Brochure on the American Legion website that can be downloaded or printed for free but is 16 pages long. This brochure is a comprehensive look at The American Legion Americanism Programs. They include Legion Baseball, shooting sports, scouting and many more.

Mission Statements. By Alan W. Dowd. Mar 16, 2016Mar 16, 2016. Foreign policy doctrines run the gamut from the unforgettable to the unremarkable. Some have meaning and force long after their architect leaves office, while others float away like pieces of driftwood. Some presidents are known for theirs, while some never articulate one.

For Service Organizations and Legion members there is no charge. Please email [email protected] , send mail to PO Box 8195, Moscow, ID 83843, or call (208)669-3575 for more information. 317 South Howard Street. Moscow. Idaho. 83843. United States. Email: dudleyloomispost6 @ gmail.com.

DUDLEY LOOMIS POST 6. Since our charter in 1919, our American Legion Post 6 has been welcoming VETERANS from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today, we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community. Our mission is to implement the goals ...

Anna Grace DeVries Georgia. Southern Division. Class III. Ivey Sparkman Arkansas. Southern Division. Class IV. Danica Resha Georgia. Southern Division. Class V.

American Legion Dudley Loomis Post No. 6, Moscow, Idaho. 190 likes · 1 talking about this · 25 were here. Post 6 is a family friendly veterans organization. Our focus is on supporting veterans &...

American Legion has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships, while local American Legion Posts, counties, Districts and Sections have also offered suitable awards and prizes for their respective best essay winners. Through the annual Department of Pennsylvania American Legion Essay scholarship contest, students are provided an opportunity to ...

Gary Gensler is the most controversial man in American finance India's economic policy will not make it rich China's last boomtowns show rapid growth is still possible

Mr. Edsall contributes a weekly column from Washington, D.C., on politics, demographics and inequality. JD Vance embodies the pros and cons of political competition in a divided America. He helps ...

Pennsylvania state Essay Contest in 1935, The American Legion has awarded well over $500,000 in scholarships, while local American Legion Posts, counties, Districts and Sections have also offered suitable awards and prizes for their respective best essay winners as well. For more information on participating in the

December 13, 1999 ARTS ABROAD Essay Winner From Moscow, With Time on Her Hands By ALAN RIDING ARIS -- An international essay contest announced two years ago in Weimar, Germany, may have seemed like a brave effort to revive a revered 18th-century tradition. But it turned out that essay writers around the world were just waiting for the call. When the deadline for submissions came a year ago, 2,481 writers from 123 countries had presented lengthy papers on the millennial theme: "Liberating the Past From the Future? Liberating the Future From the Past?" Pawel Kassin Iveta Gerasimchuk, 20, won first prize in an international essay contest in Weimar. Last weekend's announcement of the results of the competition brought yet another surprise. It was not a German philosophy professor with time on his hands who won the 50,000-mark ($26,300) first prize. It was Iveta Gerasimchuk, a 20-year-old student from Moscow, whose essay, "Dictionary of Winds," was first chosen from among 306 Russian-language submissions and was then picked by a seven-member jury from among 43 finalists. The competition was organized by a committee called Weimar 1999 and Lettre International, a European literary magazine, to celebrate Weimar's selection as the European Cultural Capital for 1999. The simple idea nonetheless involved mobilizing an army of intellectuals (113 of them proposed topics for the essay), jury members for each of the seven language groups (German, English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic), translators and a final jury. Of the 2,481 essays submitted, 2,203 met the criteria for the competition. All were then given numbers, with the identity of each author revealed only after the results were in. Most papers came from Germany (630), with Russia (232) and the United States (228) some distance behind. France (115) also showed interest, followed by Japan (91), Switzerland (60), Spain (55) and Argentina (54). Still, it is hard to know whether these numbers reflect intellectual standards or simply greater awareness of the existence of the competition. CHASING ANSWERS TO TIMELESS QUESTIONS Here is an excerpt from the introduction to Iveta Gerasimchuk's prize-winning essay, "Dictionary of Winds," in an international essay contest in Weimar, Germany, built around the topic "Liberating the Past From the Future? Liberating the Future From the Past?" The ancients understood that it is impossible to separate one day from the next, one year from the next. It is impossible to liberate the past from the future, and the future from the past, in the same way that it is impossible to liberate the right hand from the left and the left from the right. And herein lies the highest idea of the Lord. To divide time meant to destroy it, as Zeno of Elea demonstrated in the very same chase after answers to the unresolved questions. However, Zeno of Elea was only one of many. In any human society there are always people inclined to undertake a similar vivisection of time. Thank God that they have never managed to do so successfully. Some, having armed themselves with Homer's lotus-eaters, strive to "liberate" the future from the past. The "Dictionary of Winds" refers to them as "anemophiles." They firmly believe that time is infinite, and they are not interested in how much of it has already passed; after all, there is no limit to infinity and there is no limit to the changes of the world in it. Others value time as higher than everything else, or they believe that it is a gift of God and to waste it thoughtlessly is the greatest sin. The "Dictionary of Winds" refers to them as "chronists." Chronists are not sure of the future, nor are they sure that time is infinite. However, they are sure of the past, and hence strive even more to liberate the past from the future, which brings changes. Anemophiles and chronists live together -- in the real world and in the world of the "Dictionary of Winds," in each of us. They love, suffer, pursue scholarly and other research, conduct incessant arguments among themselves; in some there are no vanquished or victors -- they all seek answers to the very same questions posed so very long ago, sensing intuitively that these answers exist. And they find them -- sooner or later. Often, what they find does not satisfy them. They doubt and search again. Perhaps unexpectedly, given Germany's philosophical tradition, no Germans were among the 10 award winners, who included four Americans, two Russians, two Chinese, one Yugoslav and one Frenchman. All 10 were given scholarships to study for six months in Germany, while three runners-up were also given monetary prizes: 30,000 marks ($15,800) went to Louis E. Wolcher, professor of law at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, for his essay, "Time's Language"; and 20,000 marks ($10,500) were shared by Velimir Curgus Kazimir, a Yugoslav writer, and Christophe Wall-Romana, a Paris-born American poet and essayist. Ms. Gerasimchuk, who was not only the youngest but also the only woman among the top 10 essayists, won several writing contests while attending school in her hometown, Samara, 600 miles southeast of Moscow. A 1996 contest earned her a place in Moscow's prestigious State University of International Relations, where she specializes in South Africa (she learned both English and Afrikaans) and international environmental policy. She has also been invited to join a research team at the Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Her winning 49-page essay is an intellectual tour de force in which, by defining 61 words listed alphabetically, she meditates on time through prisms of philosophy, mythology, history, science, mathematics and literature. More specifically, she divides interpreters of time between "anemophiles" -- literally, lovers of wind -- who believe time is infinite and have no interest in the past, and "chronists," who believe time is a gift that should not be wasted and are sure only of the past. Ms. Gerasimchuk herself, though, suggests mischievously that both are wrong.