Eli Skinner NSDAR names American History Contest Youth Awards winners
The Eli Skinner National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently announced the winners of the American History Contest for area youth.
Each year the DAR sponsors the essay contest for fifth through eighth graders. The topic for 2020 marked the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre.
Students were asked to imagine they were living in Boston, and after witnessing events on March 5, 1770, describe their family's discussion about the Boston Massacre and the role it played in organizing the colonists against the British King and Parliament.
Essays were judged by an independent group of five people for historical accuracy, spelling, grammar, interest and originality, among other things.
Megan Li, St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove, won the eighth grade competition. She described witnessing the massacre on her way home from school, and how this led to her father and brother joining the colonists to fight for freedom.
William Pinchot, Holy Family School, Inverness, won the seventh grade award. In his essay, William noted that when his family friend Samuel Maverick was killed, "it wasn't just a tragedy, but was a symbol of everything the revolution stood for. It was a representation of freeing the oppressed and rising against insurmountable odds to fight for what you believe in."
The volume and quality of essays from seventh grade teacher Eileen Paparone's class at Holy Family School were such that second- and third-place awards were also given. Brandon Thomsen received second place, while Carole "Elle" Hohmeier was awarded third.
Each essay winner will receive a certificate, an Amazon gift card, a desk flag, American flag pin and a copy of the U.S. Flag Code. In addition, both St. Mary School and Holy Family School will receive a cash award.
Eli Skinner Chapter NSDAR is also happy to announce that of the 29 DAR Chapters in Illinois District IV, William Pinchot was named the top essayist for the seventh grade. His essay has been entered in the Illinois State competition. William also read his composition at the Feb. 7 Eli Skinner Chapter meeting, where he receive a bronze medal.
For more information on the DAR or the American History Essay Contest, contact Penny Novy at NSDAR ppnovy@comcast.net.
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