Tina Bakalis, American History Chair
Toni Bolling Lutter
Marjorie Nelson, DAR Regent, has announced that two of Gila Butte chapter winners in DAR’s American History Essay contest went on to win at the state level, as well. The state winners were honored at Arizona DAR State Conference, where they received a certificate and a medal.
American History Committee is a national committee of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) which promotes American history by honoring significant historical people, places, dates and events. Two of the promotional methods are annual essay contests. The American History Essay Contest is for students in grades 5 through 8. The Christopher Columbus Essay Contest is for students in grades 9 through 12.
This year’s American History Essay theme was the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which gave women the right to vote. Students were asked to imagine they were living in 1919, and discuss the pros and cons of this new amendment. The Christopher Columbus Essay theme was “Comparing Ship Technology: The Ships Columbus Used vs. the Ships of Today.” All students are eligible for the contests, whether in public, private or parochial schools, as well as those who are homeschooled. New contest themes were announced in June. Due to the number of people who will be entering this competition, it might be worth thinking of ways to set essays apart from others. Some people might be tempted to look at cheetahpapers.com to see if they can give the writer’s a hand with their essays. By using services like that, writers can ensure that their essays sound professional and are well-worded, increasing their chances of success in this competition.
Led by Committee Chair Tina Bakalis, Gila Butte Chapter celebrated its first-ever Christopher Columbus Essay chapter winner, and also sponsored three American History Essay chapter winners. Two of those essayists won at the state level and went on to compete at the national level.
DAR is a national volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to preservation of history and education, which ensures America’s future and patriotic endeavor. Membership is open to women over 18, without regard for ethnic origin, religion or race.
Gila Butte Chapter, which meets in Sun Lakes, actively seeks every eligible woman who can prove direct bloodline descent from a patriot of the Revolution. “Patriot” includes not only military but those who served in civilian governments or who took an oath of allegiance to those governments. Expert genealogy assistance is available. Interested women are urged to call 706-255-4847 or go to the website, gilabutte.arizonadar.org.