Are you in 5th through 8th grade?  Do you know someone who is and enjoys history and writing?
This year, to honor the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nov. 11, the American History Essay contest for grades 5-8 focuses on the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The essay topic is, “Imagine you had a brother who lost his life on the battlefields of France during WWI.  You and your family attended the Nov. 11, 1921, dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC.  Describe what this meant to you and your family.  Why is it important to remember those who gave their lives to serve our nation? “ The length is 300-600 words for 5th grade and 600-1,000 words for grades 6-8.

For those in high school, a “Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest” is being offered .  The topic this year is, “ Select a figure from the American Revolution era (1773-1783).  Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. “ Your figure may be any person, whether a well-known figure or an everyday man, woman or child who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small.  The word length for this essay is 800-1200 words. 

Please contact Vicki Schicker of the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce DAR Chapter (Schicker@hotmail.com) for further guidelines, information or with questions about the contest.  The deadline for entering an essay this year is December 17th.  Prizes are awarded at the Chapter, State, Division and National levels. 
These contests are open to all students in public, private or parochial schools as well as those who are home schooled.