Graham Drummond, a sixth-grader at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center in Downingtown, was one of the students recently honored by the Chester County Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as part of the organization's annual American History Essay Contest. Awards were presented to the winning students during a virtual program held via Zoom.

According to Elberta Clinton, essay contest chair, each year, nationwide, students in grades five through eight are given the opportunity to compose an essay and have it presented through their schools for evaluation. Clinton related this year's topic: "Nov. 11, 2021, marks the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Imagine that you had a brother who lost his life on the battlefields of France during World War I. You and your family attended the Nov. 11, 1921, dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Describe what this meant to you and your family."

Judging criteria included historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of material, interest, originality and grammar.

In addition to Graham, the other chapter winner was Claire Bushnell, an eighth-grade student at Peirce Middle School, West Chester. New this year was a contest for high-schoolers titled, Patriots of the American Revolution. The chapter winner was Melissa Griswold, a 10th-grader at Unionville High School.

In his essay, Graham used a diary format. In an entry dated Nov. 14, 1921, Graham wrote, "Dear Diary, I just cannot stop thinking about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and how a man could be okay about sacrificing his life so the living could have freedom. Warren G. Harding gave a speech introducing the unknown soldier to us. He described the person as being someone and everyone. He represents the rich and the poor, a new citizen or one with deep roots in America."

Clinton introduced the students, as well as their family members, teachers and school administrators who were also in attendance via Zoom. For his or her achievements, each of the chapter winners received a certificate, a medal and a monetary award. Clinton also read a biographical piece about each student.

Graham, 11, is the son of Geordan and Pattie Drummond. Graham stated that his favorite subjects at school are science and ELA (English and language arts), noting that those areas of study were most helpful when writing his essay. While researching the subject, Graham said, he learned a great deal about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and he hopes to visit it someday.

Graham's paternal great-grandfather was a World War II pilot, and his maternal grandfather was a sergeant in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Graham is also eligible to join the Sons of the American Revolution.

DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, volunteer women's service organization. Any woman age 18 or older is eligible to join DAR if she can prove a lineal descent from a patriot who rendered military, civil or patriotic service during the Revolutionary War. For more information about membership, visit http://www.dar.org.

More information about the Chester County chapter is available at http://www.ccdar.org.