DAR announces essay contests

The Lt. George Farragut Chapter and the new Pleasantview Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution are seeking entries for two American history essay contests for local students in grades five through 12.

Both contests are open to students in public, private or parochial schools and to homeschoolers. 

"This is a wonderful opportunity for students to exercise their creativity and writing skills while honing their research skills,” said Susan Snodderley, who chairs the committee sponsoring the contests for the Lt. George Farragut Chapter.

The American History Essay Contest is open to students in grades five through eight. This year’s essay topic touches a musical note familiar to almost everyone. On May 14, 1897, John Philip Sousa, the great American composer and conductor known for American military marches, played his new march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” This song would become the national march of the United States Dec. 11, 1987. Students participating in this contest are asked to imagine it is 1897 and they are a newspaper reporter for the Philadelphia Times. Their newspaper editor has asked them to write an article about the song being performed that day. The article needs to talk about Sousa’s life and the story behind the song. It is the first performance of the song, so the article needs to include thoughts about the music and how the audience reacts to what is seen and heard that day. Each DAR chapter may award one winner in each grade who will advance to the state-level competition. 

The Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest is open to students in grades nine through 12. Students are to write about someone — famous or unknown — who influenced the course of the American Revolution and the founding of a new nation. The winning essay for each DAR chapter will advance to the state-level competition.

Entries must be submitted by Dec. 15.

For complete details and guidelines, Post Falls students are encouraged to contact Connie McGee at the Pleasantview Chapter at idahoivy43@gmail.com. All others should contact Susan Snodderley at ltgeorgefarragut@gmail.com