All grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 students in a public, private, or parochial school, or those who are home schooled are eligible. This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin.
Essays should be 300-1,000 words and students are encouraged to use primary sources (i.e., immediate, first-hand accounts such as letters, diaries, speeches or newspaper reports) for their research, lesser well-known figures are acceptable, but subjects must have been actual participants, i.e. not fictionalized.
The Brigadier General James Brickett – Old Newbury Chapter is accepting essays through December 23, 2022 and will select a winning essay by January 15, 2023.
The Chapter’s winning essays will be sent on to the State level; the State will select one essay in each grade level to represent the state for judging at the Division level, and each Division level will also have one winner in each grade level which will be sent on to the National contest. Each student participant receives a certificate of participation from the chapter and the chapter winners receive a bronze medal and certificate set. State winners receive a silver medal and certificate set. Division level winners receive certificates and a book. National winners receive special certificates, medals, and a monetary award.
This essay contest is a wonderful opportunity to engage students during the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. It complements the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest, which is for students in the 9th through 12th grades.
More information about the essay contest from NSDAR: https://www.dar.org/national-society/education/essay-contests.