March 28, 2024

DAR sponsors annual essay contest

by Judith L. Wachter - American History Chair

Afton

The Nancy McKay Harsh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolutions (DAR) is again sponsoring the DAR annual American History essay contests.

This year’s topic for fifth- through eighth-grade is: “Celebrating a Century: America’s National Parks.” The National Park Service was established by Congress in 1916. The National Park Service manages approximately 84.4 million acres of national parks. Pretend you are writing a journal while visiting one of the 58 national parks. Identify its location. Discuss why and when it was established as a national park. What makes this park one of our national treasures?

The contest topic for grades 9 -12 is: “Technology’s Impact on the Voyage of Christopher Columbus.” Technological advances have greatly changed our world since the voyages of Christopher Columbus. If Columbus had just some of the technology we have today in 2016, how might this have changed his planning and carrying out of his voyages? What technological advances would have been most beneficial to Columbus?

Each local winner in each of the fifth through eighth-grade levels, as well as the winner of the Columbus essay will be awarded a $10 cash gift, medal and certificate. The winning entries will be sent to the state society. State level winners will be chosen and then forwarded to the district and national contest levels.

This is an excellent learning experience for students. It’s open to all students in public and private school, as well as to all who are home schooled. The deadline for entries is Nov. 30. Send completed entries to Judith Wachter at the address below. For more information and a copy of the rules for each category, contact: Judith L. Wachter, American History Chair, 2643 Highway 34, Afton, IA 50830; call 641-340-0372 or email jwachter202@gmail.com.