Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR awards top St. Marys essays

Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR awarded students at St. Marys School for their participation in the American History Essays Contest. Twelve students in 7th and 8th grade wrote essays titled "The Lives of Children During the American Revolution". The winners were Athan Whitney and Hayley Maher, 7th and 8th grade respectively, were presented their awards by DAR members Susie Brewer and Helen Wright. Afterwards the chapter hosted a pizza party for the students.

The topic for 2014/2015 DAR American History Essay Contest is “A Child’s Journey through Ellis Island”. The year 2015 marks the 125th anniversary of Ellis Island as an immigration station. On a typical day, immigrants arriving on the island could expect to spend up to seven hours in processing activities intended to determine whether or not they were legally and medically fit to enter the United States. Imagine yourself as a child traveling through Ellis Island in 1892. Essay participants will be asked to write "How would you describe your experience to your cousin who has never heard of Ellis Island?" All 5, 6, 7, and 8 grade students in a public, private, or parochial school, or those who are home schooled, are eligible.

Also there is an American History essay contest for grades 9 through 12 in public, private, or parochial schools, or those who are home schooled. The 2014/2015 essay topic is “Joining Christopher Columbus on His Voyage to the New World”. Imagine you have been chosen to join Christopher Columbus’ crew as he sets out for the New World. What are your thoughts and feelings as you prepare for this potentially hazardous mission? What skills do you possess that are essential to your success and survival? Why do you want to go on this voyage and what do you hope to gain from this experience?

Any students or teachers interested in participating, please contact 937-548-1040 or fortgvchapter@yahoo.com. The deadline for the 2014-2015 essay contests is November 1, 2014.