The awards ceremony was held on March 15, 2015 at Ashton Hall Senior Living, Lawrenceville, GA.
The 2014-2015 American History Essay Contest was open to students in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 in a public, private, or parochial school, or those who are home schooled. The topic title was “A Child’s Journey Through Ellis Island.”
Grace Koh, our chapter winner of the Good Citizen Award, is a high school student at North Gwinnett. Grace is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Koh of Suwanee. Grace’s essay emphasized dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. After reading her essay entitled “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It,” Grace received a spontaneous standing ovation from chapter members.
Christian Kim, a seventh grader from Parkview Christian School in Lilburn, Georgia submitted a winning essay. Christian tells of his excitement when his character first spots land and sees the statue of a lady holding a torch and a book. A wave of emotion washes over him as his face is soaked with tears.
Christian is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Kim. Beth Morris, who attended, is Christian’s teacher at Parkview Christian School.
Karsen Lindo is a fifth grader at Duncan Creek Elementary School in Hoschton, Georgia. Karsen tells of the rigorous tests after arriving at Ellis Island to determine who was fit to stay or who would be sent back to their country of origin.
Karsen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Lindo. Alisa Hardigree, Gifted Education Teacher and Philadelphia Winn Chapter member, and Stacy Covey are both teachers at Duncan Creek Elementary School.
Ben Shaver, an eighth grader from Parkview Christian School in Lilburn, Georgia was also a winner with his essay. Ben writes about the magnificent beauty of the Statue of Liberty upon seeing it for the first time as well as presenting a different outcome for his character.
Ben is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Shaver. Beth Morris is also Ben’s teacher from Parkview Christian School. Also in attendance was Ben’s paternal grandmother, Frances Shaver, a DAR member from Montgomery, Alabama.
Mr. T. J. Miniscalco was selected and honored as our chapter’s Outstanding Teacher of American History. Criteria for selection are: readily sharing an incisive knowledge of American History, being committed to his students, fostering a spirit of patriotism and loyal support of our country, relating history to modern life and events, and requiring high academic standards at all times from his students. Mr. Miniscalco teaches at Shiloh High School in Snellville, Georgia.
All award winners were presented pins and medals, cash awards, beautiful certificates and were honored for participating in the NSDAR contests.
If more information is needed please email the local Philadelphia Winn Chapter at: philwinndar@gmail.com.
ABOVE RIGHT: Mr. T. J. Miniscalco, teacher at Shiloh High School in Snellville, GA was selected by Philadelphia Winn Chapter Outstanding Teacher of American History pictured with Philadelphia Winn Historian, Mrs. Helen Dalton
