SHS History Students Win “Sons of the American Revolution” Essay Contest

by Nate Everett, History Department Chair – SHS

The Sandwich High School history department is extremely proud to announce that Priyadarshani Bajrachharya won first place and Molly MacFarland won second place in the Knight Essay contest from the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). On Saturday, March 21st, 2015, both students read their essays to assembled members of the SAR at the Daniel Webster Inn. Their teacher, Mr. Michael Welch, also attended. Both students received cash awards as well.

 The guidelines for the contest asked students to submit entries on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. The focus of Molly’s essay was the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Priyadarshani’s essay highlighted the contributions of John Dickinson. Because this essay contest also falls on the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, students could also address its influence on the American Revolution or one or more of the founding fathers. Students were required to source at least five references with a minimum of three being published books. Essays were assessed for historical accuracy, clarity of thought, organization and proven topic, grammar and spelling and documentation.

As a result of winning at the local level, Molly and Priyadarshani will have the opportunity to submit their essays for state competition. At the national level, students can win a cash prize, publication of their essay in the SAR magazine, and an address at the Annual Congress. Again, we are extremely proud of the academic accomplishment demonstrated by the hard work and SHS PRIDE of Molly and Priyadarshani. Demonstrating the skills of historians, and not just as students of history, they have modeled the kind of leadership that others can follow.