The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Memorial Award Essay Contest is now open for 2026.
The contest is once again sponsored by the Evesham Township Disabilities and Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. Those eligible to submit essays include eighth-grade students at DeMasi Middle School; Marlton Middle School; and St. Joan of Arc School, as well as senior students at Cherokee High School.
One winner will be selected from each school and receive a cash award.
LeRoy W. Homer Jr. was a Marlton resident and pilot who lost his life on 9/11. He was the first officer on United’s Flight 93, the last plane hijacked that day. Along with the other crew members and passengers, Homer helped take control of the aircraft from the hijackers, even as they knew they might sacrifice their lives so the plane wouldn’t hit its intended target in Washington, D.C.
They all perished when Flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania field.
The theme of this year’s essay contest is, “How are you Inspired by LeRoy Homer?” Entrants should consider the qualities that made the pilot a hero and explain how they personally have shown selflessness, an unyielding commitment to the well-being of others and personal excellence.
The full application and contest rules can be found on the township website. Submissions are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Submissions can be emailed to Karen Maratea at marateak@evesham-nj.gov
