Families, teachers and members of the Abigail Phelps chapter of DAR gathered on March 8 to recognize winners of the American History essay contest. The essay topic was in honor of the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower and the founding of the Plymouth Colony.
Students in grade 5–8 were to imagine being one of the passengers on the Mayflower. Knowing what materials were available in 1620, what would you pack to prepare for the trip and start a new life in the wilderness? After experiencing more than two months at sea then finally landing at Plymouth Colony on Nov. 9, 1620, do you think you would have made different choices and why? There were many excellent essays, making it a challenge to pick the top three from each class.
Sydney Henry, a Granby Memorial Middle School student, won first place among 7th grade entrants,
Among the other winners are: from East Granby Middle School, 6th grader Hansika Lenkala, second place; 8th grader Jackson Moore, second place; 8th grader Taylor Hayes, third place.
Thanks to the teachers and parents who encouraged the students to participate. This is one of the chapter’s favorite events. However, it could not happen without the volunteer judges who dedicate hours in December reading and scoring the essays.