From Judith L. Wachter
Afton
The Nancy McKay Harsh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolutions (DAR) is again sponsoring the annual American History essay contests.
This year’s topic for grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 is “WWI: Remembering the War to End all Wars.”
The end of WWI was the beginning of a new age. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War. Imagine living in 1918. State where you are living and how the end of the war will impact your daily life. Discuss the pros and cons changes this war introduced to society and how you imagine those changes will impact the United States in the years to come.
Note: The WWI National Museum is located in Kansas City, a great place to get the creative juices flowing and a fun short road trip.
The contest topic for grades 9 through 12 is “Advantages and Disadvantages of Working Relationships Between Foreign Parties.”
Christopher Columbus, an Italian, manages to convince a Spanish monarch to fund his voyage. Discuss the reasons why a monarch from one country would be interested in hiring an explorer from a foreign country to complete such an important mission. What convinced the Spanish monarchy to support Christopher Columbus instead of Spanish explorers? Each local winner in each of the 5 through 8 grade levels, as well as the winner of the Christopher Columbus essay will be awarded a $10 cash gift, a medal and a 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 schools as well as to all who are home schooled. The deadline for entries is Dec. 15. Please send completed entries to Judith Wachter by Dec. 15 at the address below. For more information and a copy of the rules for each category, please contact Judith L. Wachter, American History Chair, 2643 Highway 34, Afton, IA 50830 or call 641-340-0372.