Founded in 2014, the West Florida Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (WFLDAR, NSDAR) recently celebrated local students during its annual American History Essay Contest and Good Citizens Awards Ceremony.
WFLDAR Regent Robbie Carroll welcomed special guests, students, teachers, principals and parents to the event, which recognizes academic excellence and civic character.
The American History Essay Contest invites students in grades 5–8 to explore the nation’s past through creative writing. This year’s theme, “Lunch with a Signer,” coincides with America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Students were asked to imagine returning to 1776 to meet a signer of the Declaration of Independence and reflect on how that individual’s service contributed to the nation’s independence.
First place was awarded to sixth grader Connelly Grelle, who selected John Hancock and titled her essay “Put Your John Hancock on That.” In her winning entry, she wrote that Hancock “was passionate about our country becoming independent from Britain” and noted that his famously bold signature was “a statement to King George III.” She referenced the well-known quote attributed to Hancock: “There, I guess King George will be able to read that without his spectacles!” His signature, she explained, symbolized patriotism, courage and unity, inspiring the phrase still used today.
Second place was awarded to Freeport Middle School student Sheilia Bouldridge.
The WFLDAR Good Citizen Program honors outstanding senior high school students who demonstrate dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. Each recipient receives a Good Citizen pin featuring 13 stars for the original colonies, a blue enamel band representing the DAR and symbols of honor and understanding.
This year’s focus question, “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It,” asked students to reflect on how the characteristics of a good citizen can strengthen the democracy secured by the Patriots of the American Revolution.
The 2026 Good Citizen Award recognized first-place winner Anaya Patel of Seacoast Collegiate High School, with runners-up Elijah Brooks Ordis of Destin High School and Austin Hays Hostetler of South Walton High School.
