Junior high students participate in a patriotic essay contest

In the spring of 2022, the Old York Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recognized three Wells Junior High students who placed in the 2022 DAR American History Essay Contest. They were recognized at the Old York Museum in York.

The WJHS students included Sophia Wilson, 5th Grade Chapter winner who also placed 2nd in the state DAR competition, Saoirise Carrigan 7th Grade Chapter and Third Place in the state, and Ainslie Donovan 8th -Grade Chapter and Third Place in the state.

The Old York Chapter’s American History Chair Mrs. Barbara Carmone indicated that those who entered the writing contest were tasked with writing an essay on the topic of “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” The essayists had to imagine that they had a brother who was killed in France during World War I (1914-1918). Then, in 1921, they and their families attended the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. In their essays, the students were to elaborate on what that ceremony might have meant to them and their families and why it is important to remember those who gave their lives to serve their country.

According to the national DAR website (dar.org), “The American History Essay Contest was established (in 1956) to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation's great history and learn about history in a new light.” … “Essays are judged for historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.”

The Daughters of the American Revolution, is a women’s lineage and service organization for women 18 years and older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. The Old York Chapter currently has 67 members. There also exists a National Society Sons of the American Revolution organization.