Local student wins DAR American History Essay Contest

Pictured: Sandy Rogers, Accawmacke Elem. TAG teacher; Joseph Ebenezer, parent; Dr. Jane Amelon, VADAR District I Director; Kaitlyn Ebenezer, essay winner; and Pauline Ebenezer, parent.

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) recently announced the winner of its annual American History Essay Contest, a competition held by DAR chapters across the United States for students in grades 5 through 8. This year’s essay topic focused on the Edenton Tea Party, a pivotal yet lesser-known protest by 51 women in Edenton, North Carolina, in October 1774, who refused to buy British tea and wrote to King George III in defiance of unfair taxation.

Students were asked to imagine themselves as one of these courageous women, describing the event, their reasons for participating, and whether they believed it was the right decision. Essays were submitted through the Accomack County Public Schools’ TAG (Talented and Gifted) program, with the assistance of TAG teachers Sandy Rogers and Beth Johnson.

All participants received a certificate of participation, while contest winners were awarded a bronze medal and a national certificate. This year’s first-place winner was Kaitlyn Ebenezer, a fifth-grade student at Accawmacke Elementary School. Kaitlyn, the daughter of Pauline and Joseph Ebenezer of Onley, was invited to read her winning essay at the DAR chapter’s March 11 meeting at Ker Place.

During the event, Dr. Jane Amelon, VADAR District I Director, announced that Kaitlyn’s essay had also been selected as the District I overall winner, further recognizing her outstanding work.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. Membership is open to women 18 years or older who can trace their lineage to a patriot of the American Revolution, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background. As one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations, the DAR remains committed to historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

For more information about the DAR and its mission, visit www.dar.org.