You are invited to participate in the Daughters of the American Revolution 2023-2024 essay contest! Do you have a student in 5^th through 12^th grade?

If you have a student in 5^th through 8^th grade, your child is eligible to participate in this year’s essay contest “Stars and Stripes Forever” is the topic for 2023-2024. On May 14, 1897, John Philip Sousa played his new march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” This song would become the national march of the United States on December 11, 1897. Imagine it is 1897 and you are a newspaper reporter for The Philadelphia Times. Your newspaper editor has asked you to write an article about the new song performed that day. Your article needs to tell about Sousa’s life and the story behind the song. It is the first performance of the song, so make sure your article includes thoughts about the music, and how the audience reacts to what was seen and heard that day.

If you have a student in 9^th through 12^th grade, your child is eligible to participate in this year’s Patriot Essay contest. The topic for 2023-2024: Select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and the contribution that historic character made to the founding of a new nation. Your figure must have been an actual person – one who is well-known or an everyday man, woman, or child, who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small.

One essay per grade level will be selected by the Cienega Creek Chapter as the chapter winner and will receive a certificate and prize. State, Regional, and National essay winners will also receive a certificate and prize.

For more information and to receive contest submission information, please reach out to Cienega Chapter Regent, Sierra Hansen at cienegacreekregent@gmail.com .

The DAR is a non-profit, non-political, worldwide service organization devoted to Historic Preservation, Education & Patriotism, and family history. Any woman 18 years or older, who can prove lineal bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided the American Revolution, is eligible to join. DAR and the Cienega Creek Chapter will help you with your genealogy research if needed and they have a database of research to assist in the application process. If you are interested in joining, contact Registrar, JoAnne MacInnis at cienegacreekregistrar@gmail.com.