DAR Announces 2021-2022 American History Essay Contest Winners
Barrington, IL-based Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR, announced the winners of the 2021-2022 American History Essay Contest at its "Youth Awards" virtual ceremony on Sunday, February 20, 2022. Organizer of this year's contest was Lisa Davis, Chapter Historian. Kudos to the students - the fifty-five 5th through 8th graders - whose essays were written, submitted, and judged.
Since November 11, 2021, marked the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, students who participated in the contest were asked to "Imagine that they had a brother who lost his life on the battlefields of France during World War I. As they and their family attended the November 11, 1921, dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C., they are asked to describe what this meant to them and their family. Why is it important to remember those who gave their lives to serve our nation?"
First place American History Essay Contest winners are: Ava Goetze - 5th grade, Roslyn Road Elementary, District 220. Ava was also awarded first place in the DAR District IV and Illinois State competitions for her age group; Andrew Velleuer - 7th grade, Home Schooled; and Kalyani Manjunadh - 8th grade, Barrington Middle School, District 220.
"We are grateful to the parents, teachers, and judges within Barrington District 220 who support the students and encourage them to participate in this annual contest," said Joyce Wright, Regent of the Signal Hill Chapter, NSDAR. "Our chapter is delighted to provide this opportunity to grade school students to learn and write about our nation's early history and be recognized for their efforts."
Chapter Historian Lisa Davis adds, "For the first time in the history of our contest we had home-schooled students participate. We want to communicate that all students, 5th through 8th grades, are welcome to participate."
The Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was founded in Barrington, IL in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women's service organization headquartered in Washington, DC.
Due to fund-raising efforts throughout the year, the Chapter is able to contribute financially to several 501 (c) (3) organizations whose missions support that of NSDAR: historic preservation, education, patriotism, conservation, and Native Americans.
NSDAR provides more than $1.5 million in scholarships annually. It is the largest group of participants in support of Wreaths Across America. Through its various programs and initiatives, NSDAR strives to increase the awareness of women and men who achieved American independence, including those of diverse backgrounds.
Since its founding in 1890 over one million women have joined NSDAR both nationally and around the world. Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman aged 18 and over who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information, visit: https://signalhilldar.com.