Local student wins history essay contest

The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution held its annual American history essay contest for fifth- through eighth-graders. The 2015 topic was "A Child's Journey Through Ellis Island" to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Ellis Island as an immigration station.

The Daughters of the American Revolution's objective is to maintain the memory of the men and women who achieved American Independence, to cherish, extend the institutions of the American freedom, to foster true patriotism and love of country and to aid in securing for mankind all the blessings of liberty.

Carol Mason, a regent of the Fort Sidney Chapter, spoke to Sarah Wilson's sixth-grade homeroom class at West Elementary School about patriotism and the importance of genealogy and family history. Students gave examples of the patriots in their lives such as family members who served or are currently serving in the military and civil service members in the community.

Mason recognized the students who participated in the American History essay contest and discussed the importance of Ellis Island and what took place there.

Students wrote their 600-word essays in December and once completed, the Fort Sidney Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution judged each of the entries to determine the winning essay locally and the chance to move on to the state competition. Mason awarded West sixth-grader Emma Wintholtz with a first-place certificate for her essay on Wednesday morning.

Mason said that Wintholtz's essay will go to the state contest against 25 other DAR chapter winners. The winner of the state level will go on to the division and then national competition where awards will be presented at the Continental Congress in June.