Deadline looms for annual DAR essay contest

NORTH COUNTY —The De Anza Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution announces the launch of American History Essay Contest for the 2009-2010 academic year. The essay submission deadline is Oct. 23.
All fifth- to eighth-grade students are invited to celebrate America’s history by completing essays on a historically significant topic relating to an American milestone. The contest is being co-chaired by Debbie Giese, Angie Batt and Jennifer Anklesaria from the De Anza NSDAR Chapter.
The essay topic this year is ”The Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad.” Students are instructed to place themselves in a historical mindset and describe how they felt on May 10, 1869, when the golden spike was driven at Promontory Summit, Utah, to celebrate the completion of the first U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. They are to utilize their creative imagination to transform themselves into one of three characters: a settler planning to use the train to travel to a new home in the West; an Irish or Chinese laborer who helped build the line, or a Native American whose way of life was significantly impacted by the railroad.
The top local winner from each grade will receive a certificate, medal and a $100 cash award from the De Anza Chapter NSDAR and an opportunity to advance in the district, state and national contests.
The mission of the De Anza Chapter, NSDAR is to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence, to promote knowledge of American history, to conduct genealogical research and to cherish, maintain and perpetuate American freedom, liberty and patriotism. Membership is open to women who fit the criteria listed at www.californiadar.org/chapters/deanza. For further information on the essay contest, contact Debbie Giese at (858) 756-1598 or by e-mail at rancho@giese.com.