Mia Neeley, a fifth grader at St. Patrick College, not too long ago gained the nationwide title of an essay contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In line with Kelli Neeley, Mia’s mother, the DAR holds an essay contest yearly. College students from every chapter submit essays to be judged to, hopefully, win on the nationwide degree. Mia is a pupil within the Limestone chapter.
After nationwide winners are introduced, they’re invited to the DAR’s continental convention on the structure corridor in Washington, D.C., Kelli Neeley stated. She famous the convention is held per week earlier than Independence Day yearly.
Kelli Neeley stated Mia gained each degree for fifth-grade submissions. She famous there are 4 ranges. These embody chapter, state, regional, and nationwide. Principal Dr. Rachel Noll stated the regional degree consists of 5 states.
Mia was invited to the continental convention, Kelli Neeley stated. Whereas there, Mia offered a speech through which she learn a portion of her essay in entrance of a whole bunch of individuals. Kelli Neeley famous that Mia was additionally given a $2,500 award.
“It was enjoyable to go to Washington D.C. and skim it (her essay),” Mia stated. Kelli Neeley added that their household was given a “basic overview” trolley tour of the capitol.
She stated they had been capable of see each nationwide monument, Smithsonian Museum of American Historical past, Arlington Nationwide Cemetery, and Ford’s Theatre, the place Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
Noll added that Mia is the primary nationwide winner within the Limestone Chapter of Kentucky, which she is conscious of. She is aware of Mia is the primary pupil from St. Patrick College to win at that degree. Noll famous previous regional winners from the varsity.
In line with Mia’s instructor, Sharon Phillips, preparation for the essay contest begins with analysis in October. She stated drafts from college students are due in November. Noll famous that each fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grader submits an essay every year.
“It’s only a actually cool expertise for our youngsters even simply to submit one thing,” Noll stated. “It was actually cool.”
Kelli Neeley added that college students select a theme for his or her essays at the start of the method. Mia selected to be a delegate of the second continental congress as her theme.
Phillips stated DAR representatives accumulate the essays round December for judging. Outcomes should not sometimes introduced till essays have been judged on the nationwide degree. Kelli Neeley famous that St. Patrick had regional winners in fifth, sixth, and seventh grade this 12 months.
Mia stated she goes to attempt to win the nationwide title once more this coming faculty 12 months. She’ll be competing as a sixth grader.
For extra info on the DAR continental convention, please go to https://net.cvent.com/occasion/ff2884f9-bac8-4ed3-aeff-a6e0c4433a5a/abstract.