Three students have been chosen winners in the annual American History Essay Contest sponsored by the National Old Trails chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 were eligible for the competition. The National Old Trails chapter oversees the essay contest in the Nettle Creek, Centerville and Western Wayne school districts. Jean Dilley is the chapter's essay chairperson.
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, this year's topic was "Young America Takes a Stand: the War of 1812."
Essayists were to pretend they were alive during the War of 1812 and that they had a friend who has become famous in history because of standing up for America during that exciting but dangerous time.
Mattie Drew Doerstler is the fifth-grade winner. A student at Hagerstown Elementary School, she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darren Doerstler.
Julia Allen is the sixth-grade winner. A student at Centerville-Abington Elementary School, she is the daughter of Chris Prows and Crystal Allen.
Cameo Smith is the eighth-grade winner. A student at Hagerstown Junior-Senior High School, she is the daughter of Brad and Candace Smith.
Each essay written by the chapter winners has been forwarded to the state contest. The state winner participates in the national contest.
The three students are scheduled to present their essays at the National Old Trails chapter meeting March 15 at the First United Methodist Church in Hagerstown.
