DAR honors students at annual Youth Awards Day

Imagine you are one of the 51 women in Edenton, North Carolina in October 1774, who decide to refuse to buy from the British because of their high taxes and laws. They burn their tea in what becomes known as, “The Edenton Tea Party.” In 1775, women in Wilmington, North Carolina, also burn their tea for the same reasons. What were the tea parties like and why would you choose to join them? In hindsight, did you make a good decision?

Twenty-one elementary school-aged essayists had no trouble answering the call when writing their entries for the 2025 American History Essay Contest sponsored by the Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR, of Barrington. Winners and all participants received recognition and applause at the Youth Awards Day held at the Barrington Area Library early in February.

Hough Street Elementary School fifth grader Genevieve Haradon won first place for her essay at both the Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR, and Illinois District IV NSDAR levels. Genevieve read her essay on Youth Awards Day and has been invited to read her essay at the Illinois District IV meeting scheduled in March.

The Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was chartered 50 years ago in Barrington in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women’s service organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more.

Since the national organization was founded in 1890, over one million women have joined NSDAR. Membership is open to any woman aged 18 and older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information about the Barrington-based chapter, visit signalhilldar.com.