Students invited to enter NSDAR essay contest

The Twenty-First Star Chapter of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is looking for students to compete in this year’s annual American History Essay Contest.

Students in fifth through eighth grades in a public, private or parochial school, and those who are home-schooled, are eligible. This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex or national origin.

The 2011-2012 topic is The War of 1812: Pretend you were alive during the War of 1812 and had a friend who has become famous in history because of standing up for America during that time. Describe the person and how he or she stood up for America. Explain why it is important to honor such heroes when we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

One essay at each grade level is selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to the district American History chairman for further competition. Judging will be based on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, organization of material, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness.

Pictures, maps, drawings, graphics and other such additions will not be considered in judging and should not be included.

Deadline for submission is Dec. 2.

If you know someone who would to participate, contact Twenty-first Star Chapter Co-Historian Gail Enault at (773) 774-5998 or gail@enaults.com for the details and specific guidelines for this year’s contest.