Fire up those pens: It's American history essay contest time

Students in grades five through eight are invited to enter the 2020-2021 American History Essay Contest sponsored by the Lt. George Farragut Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The contest is open to students in public, private or parochial schools and homeschoolers. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to exercise their creativity and writing skills.

The topic for this year’s contest is “The Boston Massacre.” March 5, 2020, marked the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre, considered to be a pivotal event that paved the way to the American Revolution. Young writers are to imagine living in Boston and, after witnessing the events of March 5, discussing this historic event with family members and describing what role it would play in organizing American colonists against the British king and Parliament.

One essay at each grade level is selected as the chapter winner, and these winning essays will advance to the state level competition. From the state level, contest winners move to the divisional level, and finally to the national level. Lt. George Farragut Chapter was proud to have a fifth grade winner at the national level last year.

Essays are judged for historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness. Certificates will be issued to all who participate. A $50 award is given to the chapter winners from each grade.

Essays must be submitted by Dec. 17. Participants and interested teachers are encouraged to contact Connie McGee at ltgeorgefarragut@gmail.com for more information, grade-specific requirements, and a suggested reading list.