DAR honors American history essay contest winner
From left: American History Committee Chair Stephanie Keaty, Reese Alexander, Chapter Regent Susan Snodderley and Chapter Vice Regent Michelle Fansler.
Photo courtesy of BARB NELSON
Back row from left: Michelle Fansler, Susan Snodderley, Stephanie Keaty and Kim Brown. Front row: Londyn Steckman, Mrs. Hicks, Reese Alexander and Sharon King.
Londyn Steckman (left) and Reese Alexander.
COEUR d’ALENE — The Lt. George Farragut Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to recognize Reese Alexander as the winner of the American History Essay Contest.
Reese is an eighth-grade student at River City Middle School in Post Falls. She was awarded a bronze medal, a certificate and a monetary award during her English class on March 14. Her essay has advanced to the state level.
This year’s topic was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nov. 11, 2021, marked the 100th anniversary of its dedication. Students were to imagine having a brother who lost his life in the battlefields of France during World War I and that they and their family attended the Nov. 11, 1921, dedication in Washington, D.C.
Reese concluded her essay with, “After a while I went upstairs and laid in my cozy bed. I soon found it hard to keep my eyes open, and I fell into a cobweb of dreams. When mother shook me, I jolted out of bed. I dashed to the closet and picked out a formal black button up; it was Williams, and some denim jeans and the same aged oxfords. I barreled outside and I hopped in the 1920 Nash Touring. The car ride was long and sorrow filled the air. When we made it to Arlington to honor the most hallowed grave. A somber moment. My emotions were taking over me. I saw a little girl hugging her older brother. I should have felt happy at the sight of the young girl's smile, but instead I felt resentful. Why did my brother die? Why did considerate Willam innocently die? He was the only person who could make me smile. When I went to place a red rose on the tomb, a tear fell from my cheek. It was hard to see the cause behind the deaths, but now I see they died for me, for Mother, and for America. Thank you Soldiers; thank you Willam."
Londyn Steckman, also an eighth-grade student at River City Middle School, was awarded a certificate for her participation in the contest.
Nancy Hicks, the English teacher of both Reese and Londyn, has promoted the contest to her students for several years.
All students in grades 5 to 8 are eligible to participate in the annual contest whether they are enrolled in a public, private, or parochial school or are homeschooled.
“The contest provides a wonderful opportunity for young writers to learn about patriotism, one of the missions of the DAR,” said Stephanie Keaty, American History committee chair. The topic for next year’s contest will be announced in the summer.
