Wednesday, October 22, 2014

The 2014-2015 American History Essay Contests Announced - Daughters of the American Revolution


Sierra Amador Chapter
National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution


Details: This year’s essay contest is divided into two levels by grade of the student and each level is open to any student at the correct level regardless of where they attend school, their race, religion, sex, or national origins
Grade levels 5 to 8:
            Title: “A Child’s Journey Through Ellis Island”
This year marks the 125th anniversary of Ellis Island an immigration station for entry into the United States of America. Imagine yourself as a child in 1892 arriving at the island. How would you describe your experience to your cousin who has never heard of Ellis Island?
 
            Grade 5 - Length of Essay 300 - 600 words
            Grades 6 - 8 Length of Essay 600 1000 words
Judging will be based on Historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of the material, interest originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.


 Grade levels 9 through 12:
            Title: “Joining Christopher Columbus on His Voyage to the New World”
Imagine you have been chosen to join Columbus’ crew as he sets out for the New World. What are your thought and feelings as you prepare for this potentially hazardous mission?  What skills do you possess that are essential to your success and survival? Why do you want to go on this voyage and what do you hope to gain from this experience?
                        Essay Length between 800 and 1200 words

Contest Time runs from now until October 30, 2014 when all essays, regardless of grade level, and need to be turn into the Sierra Amador American History Committee for judging. Winners of the local level will be announce by December 1, 2014 and that winning essay will be submitted to the district level for a further chance of winning at that level. A final National winner will ultimately be determined by the Spring of 2015. There will be prizes issues along an essay’s journey. Locally there is a cash prize for $50 for the Grade 5 to 8 contest and $100 for the Grade 9 to 12 contest, as well as recognition for all participants.

Complete details for the contest and a suggested reading list can be obtained through the following contact persons:
            Grades 5 to 8: 
Ÿ  Catherine Burr 209-296-1727 cburr@volcano.net 
Ÿ  Carol Olney 209-296-1763 colney@mewuk.com

            Grades 9 to 12:
Ÿ  Terry Stone 209-754-4482 tstone95245@gmail.com
Ÿ  Janet van Mastrigt   209-295-2528 j-jvan@volcano.net
Essays will also be turned into these people at their completion, call to make those arrangem