De Anza, NSDAR Hosts History Contest Award Ceremony and Colonial Tea

RANCHO SANTA FE, CA, January 28, 2011 (Press-News.org) The De Anza Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), will host an Award Ceremony and Colonial Tea on Saturday, February 5, 2011, 1:00 p.m., The Church of the Nativity located at 6309 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. The prestigious, nationally recognized American History Essay Contest for the 2010-2011 academic year includes 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade student Finalists who submitted winning essays on a historically significant topic relating to an American milestone. The awards ceremony will include music, a color guard provided by the Sons of the American Revolution, San Diego Chapter, and colonial tea. The 1st Place Chapter Finalist from each grade will receive a certificate, medal and a $100 cash award from the De Anza Chapter, NSDAR. Students from St. John the Evangelist School, St. James Academy, Rancho Santa Fe School, Ocean Knoll, The Nativity School, The Rhodes School, Carmel Valley Middle School and Mission Estancia Elementary School participated.

Since 1957, schools across the nation have participated in this annual event and the essay topic this year "The Memoirs of Paul Revere". In celebration of the 235th anniversary of the birth of Paul Revere, the students imagined they were the famous American patriot who was writing his memoirs. This includes various accomplishments for which Paul Revere wishes to be remembered in the annals of American History including his famous midnight ride from Boston to Lexington. The contest was co-chaired by Joanne Dudek, Kathy Loftman and Debbie Giese from the De Anza NSDAR Chapter. Giese explains, "We are very pleased with the volume of entries we received this year, which was double in number of schools and classrooms that participated over last year. The volunteer judges from the De Anza NSDAR chapter were most impressed with the breadth and diversity of essays that were submitted."

The mission of the De Anza Chapter, NSDAR, is a lineage society whose mission is to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence, to promote knowledge of American history, to conduct genealogical research and to cherish, maintain and perpetuate American freedom, liberty and patriotism. Membership is open to women over the age of 18 who fit the criteria listed at http://www.californiadar.org/chapters/deanza. Call Joanne Dudek, Co-chair, for additional information at 858-756-3326.