DAR recognizes American History Essay Contest winners at Peake

Essay winners pause for a photo with their teacher, Brandi Cotton, at Peake Elementary School in Arkadelphia. Pictured, from left, are Ryker Hrabal, Charlie Harrell, Cotton, and Stephanie Burroughs.

The Arkadelphia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized 5th Grade students from Peake Elementary School, Arkadelphia in their regular meeting held Tuesday, March 12, at Second Baptist Church, 815 So. 11th Street. 

This year’s topic centered around John Philip Sousa and the introduction of his musical march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” performed on May 14, 1897, in Philadelphia.  The students were asked to imagine themselves as newspaper reporters at the event and relate the events and audience reactions of that day. The winners read their essays to members of the Arkadelphia DAR chapter.

The following students were announced as 2024 Winners of the annual American History Essay Contest sponsored by DAR.  1st Place – Charlie Harrell, son of Tim and Nancy Harrell
2nd Place – Stephanie Burroughs, daughter of John Burroughs and granddaughter of Christie Burroughs
3rd Place – Ryker Hrabal, son of Kevin and Stephanie Hrabal

Each winner received a certificate, monetary gift, and gift bag presented by Terry Hagood, Vice Regent, on behalf of the Arkadelphia DAR Chapter. Brandi Cotton, Peake GT Teacher, is their faculty sponsor.

It was also announced that Charlie Harrell has been selected as the State Essay Winner. He and his parents will be guests at the State Congress of the Arkansas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution April 20 in Little Rock.

The Arkadelphia DAR Chapter strives to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and secure America’s future through better education for children. As a volunteer women’s service organization, the members are planning now for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution as they continue to preserve the legacy of our Patriot ancestors.


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