The Polly Ogden chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recognized four local students and one teacher for awards in February.
On Feb. 14, the chapter honored three elementary students who were winners of the American history essay contest as well as a Manhattan High School senior who was the recipient of the DAR Good Citizen award. The chapter also awarded the American history teacher of the year.
The American history essay contest was established by the DAR to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation’s history and learn about history in a new light. Each year, students are provided with a specific topic, and essays are judged based on historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization, originality, interest, grammar and spelling. This year’s topic asked students to imagine they could go back in time and meet one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for lunch. Their essays were to explain who they would choose, and how the chosen signer’s actions contribute to our country becoming independent.
Helen Liu took third place with an essay featuring Thomas Jefferson, Kate Barker placed in second for her essay on Edward Rutledge and Milcah Abrehe took first place with her essay focusing on John Adams. All three are in the fifth grade at Frank Bergman Elementary School.
The DAR good citizen award was established in 1934 to recognize high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, patriotism, and service to others. This year’s recipient, Keylee Schartz, was given a prompt and two hours to compose an essay focused on the importance of engaged citizenry. Schartz’s teachers described her as an exceptional student who is extensively involved outside the classroom in community activities. The award included a $250 scholarship provided by the chapter.
The American history teacher of the year award was established by DAR to recognize outstanding teachers of American history and related fields in local middle schools, junior high schools and high schools. The Polly Ogden Chapter selected Erica Roberts as the chapter’s recipient. Roberts is a teacher at Eisenhower Middle School, and her philosophy of teaching is centered on inquiry, engagement, and relevance. Colleagues described her as dedicated, passionate, and as putting her heart into her work.
“We are thrilled to honor and recognize all of these talented students for their wonderful essays and celebrate Ms. Roberts’ passion for engaging her students in learning about American history,” said Susan Church, Regent of the Polly Ogden Chapter. “The students’ and Ms.Roberts’ interest in our nation’s history is especially meaningful this year, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”
After receiving top honors from the Polly Ogden Chapter, Abrehe, Schartz, and Roberts advanced to be considered at the state level of their respective competitions.