Upper School students earn awards in social studies essay contest

Recently, Farragut’s Social Studies students participated in the Sons of the American Revolution George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. Two of our students won awards.

Each year, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in this essay contest. The contest is open to all students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools in that same grade range. The contest required students to submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay was judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.

Sophomore Elijah Soyke, of Mr. Singleton’s American History class, won 1st place in the St. Petersburg chapter contest and 3rd place in the state contest for his essay on the U.S. Construction. Freshman Bianca DeSilva, of Mr. Xenakis’ Social Studies Club, won 3rd place in the St. Petersburg chapter contest for her essay on Mercy Otis Warren. According to local SAR chapter contact John Stewart, this is the highest placing our students have achieved since first participating in the contest several years ago. Each year, the SAR receives an average of thirty state-level winners from around the country to compete in the national-level contest. All students who participated will receive certificates recognizing their efforts, and both of our winning students will receive monetary awards recognizing their achievements. Elijah will be recognized for placing in the state level contest on May 20th at a Sons of the American Revolution meeting in St. Petersburg.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and a special thanks to John Stewart for helping us with the contest and for being such a pleasure to work with.