November 11, 2021, marked the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Students across the United States in grades 5 through 8 were invited to submit essays based on their personal research on this topic. The essays were written in first person as if the student had been living 100 years ago. 

Manatee county’s winning essay winners were from St. Joseph Catholic School and were honored on Friday, December 14th, during a meeting of the Manatee County DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). The winning students were invited to read their essays to DAR members, as well as their family members who were in attendance. Congratulations to the sixth grade winner, Heaven; the seventh grade winner, Serafina; and the eighth grade essay winner, Michelle.

In addition, DAR also sponsors a high school essay contest that includes a scholarship for a Manatee County High School Senior. Congratulations to this year’s high school recipient, Alina, who is a graduate of St. Joseph Catholic School.