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Local students win DAR essay contest

By Staff | Mar 30, 2012

Six local schools participated in an American History essay contest recently sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Pack Horse Ford Chapter. The Chapter received 138 essays to judge from fifth graders to eight graders. The theme was “Young America Takes a Stand: The War of 1812.” This year marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key wrote a poem during the bombardment of the Ft. McHenry in Baltimore, Md., which later became our national anthem.

Essay winners from grade five include first place, Roula Marie Hammer; second place, Daisy Mikaela Levine; and third place, Alexander Yates. Grade 6 winners include first place, Isaac Levi Hylton; second place, Eva Lauren Smith; and third place, Annette D. Toth. Grade 7 winners include first place, Richard Yates; second place, Matthew Moore; and third place, David Tennant. Grade 8 winners include first place, Stephen Groh; second place, Madison Rose Hinkle; and third place, Ariana Jhamille Buentello. First place winners read their winning essays to parents, guests, and chapter members.

Second Vice Regent Mary Davis was chairperson of the essay committee, which included Cheryl Rodgers, Polly Wharton, Patty Stealey, and Kathy Sholl. A reception followed the readings. Hostesses were Marie Snowden, Megen Showe, Ariel Hoover and Cheryl Brown.

During a brief business meeting, members placed their loose change in Easter eggs to help raise funds for the Jefferson County Relay for Life to fight against cancer, collected by “DAR Daughters Team” captain Polly Wharton. Chapter member Penny Hoeflinger reported on the Tobacco Warehouse clean-up sponsored by the chapter’s Conservation Committee. Chapter member Barbara Nickell led a discussion of plans for the reception at the May 5 cemetery marking at Christ Reformed Church in Shepherdstown. The public is invited to attend this event.

There are a few seats remaining on the chartered bus trip to Baltimore on Saturday, Apr. 14. The public is invited to join the chapter on this exciting trip. Members, family and friends will visit Ft. McHenry, the Star Spangled Banner House and Hampton Estate. Seating on the bus is limited and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to receive a reservation form, contact Regent Cheryl Brown at 304-876-3817 or Registrar Dorrene Hale at 304-725-6140. Trips like these and the chapter’s charitable work help the DAR to “Preserve the Past, Enhance the Present, and Invest in the Future.” To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit the website www.DAR.org.