BERLIN — The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) annually sponsors American History and Christopher Columbus essay contests in area schools. Winners were invited to an awards luncheon on April 17 at Worcester Technical High School to receive their awards from American History Chair Janet Simpson.
The American History Essay Contest is open to all grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 students in a public, private or parochial schools ad those who are home schooled. This year’s topic was “The Women’s Suffrage Campaign.” A panel of judges comprised of DAR members and nonmembers selected the following chapter winners: Emily Skorobatsch, fifth grade, Pocomoke Middle School; Ryan Mann, sixth grade, Worcester Preparatory School; Case Tilghman, seventh grade, Worcester Preparatory School; and Sajiv Satyal, eighth grade Worcester Preparatory School.
Each student received a certificate, medal and gift card. Mann also placed first at the state level and was presented with a certificate, medal, challenge coin and cash award from Maryland State Society DAR.
The Christopher Columbus Essay Contest was open to students in grades 9 through 12 in public, private or parochial schools or those who are home schooled. The topic was “Comparing Ship Technology: The Ships Columbus Used Versus the Ships of Today.” Daniel Chen, a 10th grade student at Worcester Preparatory School, was selected as the General Levin Winder Chapter winner and received a certificate and gift card. Chen placed first at the state level and was presented with a certificate, challenge coin and cash award from Maryland State Society DAR. He also took top honors in the Eastern Division, consisting of seven states and was presented with a certificate and book, The American Spirit, by David McCullough. His essay has been forwarded to the national competition.