DAR Martin County 2008

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution AMERICAN HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST 2008-2009

TOPIC: 2008-2009 topic is: "What message did the Gettysburg Address communicate to our war-torn nation in 1863? How are the ideals articulated in the speech still relevant for our country today?"
PARTICIPANTS: All grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 students in a public, private, or parochial school, or those who are home schoolers, are eligible. This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin. DO NOT SUBMIT A STUDENT PHOTOGRAPH WITH ENTRY.
LENGTH: Grade 5: 300 - 600 words Grades 6, 7, and 8: 600 -1,000 words (See Judge's Guidelines)
FORM: Essay is to be handwritten in black ink, typed, or prepared on a computer or word processor, using black type in a non-script font no smaller than 12 point or larger than 14 point. A limited vision student may use Braille, a tape recorder, or very large type. A written transcript must be included, as well as a teacher's or physician's letter attesting to the student's special need. All of the essay must be the student's original work. Each essay must have a title page listing the following: Title or topic of essay: "The Ideals of the Gettysburg Address" (A subtitle is permitted if written below the topic.) Contestant's full name and address. (Street, RR, PO Box, City, State, Zip Code) Note: If the school's regulations prohibit providing the student contact information, then school contact information may be substituted. Contestant's telephone number (with area code) and e-mail address, if available Name of contestant's school with grade level indicated Name of sponsoring DAR chapter Number of words in essay
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Essay must have a bibliography listing all references utilized. Internet resources, if used, should be cited in similar format to that used for printed resources. Add the electronic address used to access the document as supplementary information.
Any essay with information copied directly from sources without using quotes will be disqualified.
JUDGING AND AWARDS: Judging will be based on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, organization of material, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness. Pictures, maps, drawings, graphics, and other such additions will not be considered in judging and should not be included.
Judging at the chapter level is by three judges, including at least one non-DAR judge. Judging at other levels is by three judges, all of whom are non-DAR members. CHAPTER: One essay at each grade level is selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to the state American History chairman for state competition. American History essay contest chapter winner certificates and bronze medals may be presented by the chapter if desired. In addition, chapters may present certificates of participation to every student who participates in the essay contest. These supplies are available from The DAR Store. STATE: One essay at each grade level is selected as the state winner and forwarded to the appropriate national division vice chairman of American History for division competition. The state winner receives a silver medal and state winner certificate. DIVISION: One essay in each grade is selected as the division winner and forwarded for national competition to the national vice chairman. Division winners are presented a division winner certificate. NATIONAL: One essay in each grade is selected as the national winner. A certificate, gold pin and monetary award is presented to each national winner at Continental Congress in July 2009. Winning essays may appear in official DAR communications. Note: All essays must first be submitted to a local chapter. Essays sent directly to the national chairman or vice chairman of the essay contest will not be considered.
DEADLINE: December 12, 2008
CHAPTER CONTACT PERSON: Nina Taylor ninataylor@yahoo.com
SPONSORING DAR CHAPTER: Halpatiokee Chapter
If additional information about the contest is needed, please contact the Office of the Historian General, NSDAR, at 1776 D Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006-5303 Phone: (202) 879-3256

Document No. AHC-1000 (Revised July 2008)

(0408-3500-PS)