Winners of the annual American History Essay Contest sponsored by the Capt. Robert Orr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were honored at a recent meeting, including Frazee-Vergas High School sophomore Katie Courneya. 

The American History theme for 2025 was “Enjoying a New Kind of Tea Party” In the 1770’s there was a movement of protest from the Colonists against the British due to taxes and laws.  Students were asked to write about why they would participate in one of these Tea Parties and explain if they thought it was a good decision. The girls read their essays and received their awards.

The high school essay contest theme was Patriots of the American Revolution which requires the student to choose a patriot and discuss their contribution to the Revolution. 

Courneya produced the winning essay and placed second at the State level.

The 2025 winners are Rylie King and Cora Walsh. Cora Walsh won at the state level, took 1st place at the North Central Division, and will compete nationally. Rylie King won at the Chapter and State level, and took 3rd place at the North Central Division. Both girls attend Forestview Middle School in Baxter and will be honored and receive their awards at the State Convention in Plymouth in May.