DAR promotes American history essay contests

COEUR d’ALENE — The Lt. George Farragut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution invites students in grades five through 12 to participate in one of its annual essay contests. Both contests are open to students in public, private or parochial schools and homeschoolers. Teachers are encouraged to integrate the contests into their curriculum.

The American History Essay Contest is open to students in grades five through eight. The topic is “The Women’s Suffrage Campaign.” Students are to imagine they are living in 1919 while the women’s suffrage campaigns were having an impact on Americans politically and socially, discussing the pros and cons of this new amendment passed by the U.S. Congress.

The Christopher Columbus Essay Contest is open to ninth to 12th grade students. The topic is “Comparing Ship Technology: The Ships Columbus Used Versus the Ships of Today.” Students are to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Columbus’ late 15th-century ships compared to the modern ships of today and how they would have been prepared for his voyage.

Certificates will be issued to all who participate. A $50 monetary award is given to the chapter winners from each grade in the American History contest. A $100 award is given to the chapter winner for the Christopher Columbus contest. First-place winners advance to the state competition.

The deadline is Dec. 15. Participants are encouraged to contact Connie McGee at 208-667-8299 or email Lt. George Farragut Chapter at ltgeorgefarragut@gmail.com for more information and specific requirements.