American History Essay Contest
The Daughters of the American Revolution sponsor two student essay contests each year, one for grades 5-8 and one for grades 9-12. The contest is open to all students in public, charter, private or homeschools. One essay at each grade level can be selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to the state competition. For specific information about this year's topics, as well as entry forms and contact information, see below.
All entries must be the students original work
Questions: Contact Karen Cox, American History Chair
5th - 8th Grade Essay
Stars and Stripes Forever
On May 14, 1897, John Philip Sousa played his new march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” This song would become the national march of the United States on December 11, 1987. Imagine it is 1897 and you are a newspaper reporter for The Philadelphia Times. Your newspaper editor has asked you to write an article about the new song performed that day. Your article needs to tell about Sousa’s life and the story behind the song. It is the first performance of the song, so make sure your article includes thoughts about the music and how the audience reacts to what was seen and heard that day.
Essay Topic Form
Essay Entry Form
9th-12th Grade Essay
American Patriot Essay Contest
Select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (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. Figures 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.
Essay Topic Form Grades 9-12
Essay Entry Form Grades 9-12