Elizabeth Carey DAR Chapter announces essay contest winners

Winners of the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest were Peyton Eaton (first place); Mary Kate Russell (second place); and Madison Douglas (third place). They are pictured with Jenise Burch of the Elizabeth Carey Daughters of the American Revolution chapter.

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The Elizabeth Carey Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter annually sponsors youth contests for the students in area schools, including Nevada, Bronaugh, Sheldon, Northeast Vernon County (NEVC), Liberal, Lamar, and El Dorado Springs.

The American History Essay Contest is for grades 5-8 in public private, and parochial schools, plus students who are homeschooled. This year's essay topic was "Delegate to Second Continental Congress." The Second Continental Congress met from May 10, 1775 to March 1, 1781 and included delegates from all 13 colonies. This Congress was instrumental in shaping what was to become the United States of America. Students were asked to imagine that they were a delegate during 1775-1776, identifying which colony they represented and what they thought would be more important to accomplish for their colony.

This year, the chapter had one class participate in this contest — Kim Greer's eighth grade Advanced Social Studies class at the Nevada Middle School. From her class, 25 students participated and the top three winners were Hunter Eaton (first place); Drew Harder (second place); and Halle Hawks (third place).

Hunter Eaton receives his first place award for his entry in the American History Essay Contest from Jenise Burch.

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The Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest is for grades 9-12. This year's essay topic for this contest was, "Select a figure from the American Revolution era (1773-1783) and discuss how he/she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he/she was and his/her contribution to the founding new nation." Figures could be any person — well-known or not.

The chapter had three schools participate in this contest — Nevada, Lamar, and NEVC. The three winners came from Camille Bell's sophomore English class at Nevada High School. Approximately 25 students participated and the top three winners were Peyton Eaton (first place); Mary Kate Russell (second place); and Madison Douglas (third place).

The first place winners' essays from both contests have been sent on to State DAR competition. Notice has not yet been received whether they have placed on the state level. Last year, the chapter's eighth grade winner, Stella Fast, also won first place on the state level and was recognized at the DAR State Conference in Kansas City, Mo.

For more information regarding these contests, contact Jenise Burch at kbfarms1@gmail.com.