De Anza DAR holds American history essay contest
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution announces its annual American History Essay Contest to celebrate America’s history. All fifth- through eighth-grade students in public, private, and parochial schools or those who are home-schooled are eligible to participate. Students may also independently submit essays directly to the judging committee.
Marking the 125th anniversary of Ellis Island as an immigration station, the topic for the 2014-2015 academic year is “A Child’s Journey Through Ellis Island.” 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. Essayists are asked to imagine they are a child traveling through Ellis Island in 1892 and how they would describe their experience to a cousin who had never heard of Ellis Island.
Essays are judged for historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.
The top winner from each grade will receive a medal, a certificate and a cash award from the De Anza Chapter as well as the opportunity to advance in the state and national competition. A colonial tea and awards ceremony will be held to recognize the winning students, parents, teachers and principals.
Schools and individuals may contact the De Anza Chapter essay committee chairman Jennifer Anklesaria at 619-985-5440 for contest rules and a guide sheet. Essay submission deadline is Nov. 1.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890, sponsors the yearly essay contest with state and local chapters to carry out the injunction of President George Washington in his farewell address to the American people: “to promote, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge, thus developing an enlightened public opinion.” Visit www.deanza.org.