Each year at the beginning of school, the Daughters of the American Revolution promote two American history essay contests. One is for grades 9-12 about Christopher Columbus. Since it was the 100th anniversary for the national parks, that was the topic chosen for grades 6-8.

This year, the Constantia Chapter of the DAR in Suffolk and Franklin received 39 essays. Judges chose one winner from each grade level. The winners were awarded certificates from the Constantia Chapter. This year, participation certificates were also given.

The American History Essay Contest Winner for 2016-2017 for the Christopher Columbus Essay is Mia Williams, a junior at Lakeland High School.

The American History Essay Contest winners for the National Parks essay are Luke Rinninger, a sixth-grader at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy; Sophia Bourcier, a fifth-grader at Elephant’s Fork Elementary School; and Jacob Andrew Kmieciak, an eighth-grader at King’s Fork Middle School.