March 31: Race to the Top competition end date
Race to the Top competition is divided into five categories based on the membership of the district without regard to geographic locations. District commanders will compete in each of the following categories based on final membership year totals, and a top district commander for the national award will be selected from each of the five categories. Post ribbons will also be awarded to each top district commander for all posts in those districts. Second and third place awards will also be presented in each category.
The Race to the Top certification form must be submitted by the April target date (page 16 of the National Membership Awards Program Manual).
Race to the Top categories:
Category I Districts of 15 to 1,499 members
Category II Districts of 1,500 to 2,999 members
Category III Districts of 3,000 to 4,999 members
Category IV Districts of 5,000 to 7,499 members
Category V Districts of 7,500 and more members
First place: The top district commander in each category whose district membership on March 31 represents the greatest percentage over the final previous year’s membership. The winners in each category, along with a guest, will receive an all-expense paid trip to Indianapolis for the 104th National Convention in Charlotte as a distinguished guest of National Commander Vincent J. "Jim" Troiola. The trip includes round-trip airfare, tickets to the National Commander’s Banquet, and hotel accommodations for six days and five nights. The winning district commanders also will receive a Legion cap that signifies they are Race to the Top winners, and awarded on stage at the national convention with ribbons for each of the district’s posts.
Second place: The district commander in each category whose district membership on March 31 represents the second highest percentage over the final previous year’s membership will receive a $500 check.
Third place: The district commander in each category whose district membership on March 31 represents the third highest percentage over the final previous year’s membership will receive a $375 check.