Each year, Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution hosts the American History Essay Contest, which is open to students in grades 5 – 8. Information is distributed to local schools at the beginning of each school year. Non-DAR volunteer judges use scoring rubrics to choose one winning essay for each grade level.

The 2025 – 2026 essay title was “Lunch with a Signer.” Students were asked to write a 300 to 1,000 word essay that answers this question: America will celebrate her 250th birthday on July 4, 2026! If you could go back in time and meet one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for lunch, who would you choose? How did their actions and service contribute to our country becoming independent?

Margaret Salter, the American History Essay Contest Chair, presented a medal and a certificate to each of this year’s winners at Glenbrook School:

8th grade: Nia Lee (met Thomas Jefferson at the City Tavern in Philadelphia)

7th grade: Ava-Kate Freese (met John Adams for lunch and asked many questions about his role
in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence)

6th grade: Grayson Avery (made a trip back in time to share a picnic in the park with Benjamin
Franklin)

5th grade: Miles McCullough (sat down with Button Gwinnett at his favorite spot, the Green
Dragon Tavern, and learned a lot about this lesser known signer over a bowl of fish chowder!)

Their essays have been forwarded to the DAR State level for further judging. The next levels are
Regional and National. The National winners receive cash prizes. If a child or class may
want to participate in the next contest in September 2026, contact DAR at dorcheatbistineaudar@yahoo.com.