DERBY– Seventh and eighth grade students living in or attending school in Derby are invited to participate in the annual Patriotic Citizens Essay Contest established by several veteran and patriotic organizations.
To be eligible, the student must meet one of the following criteria:
Be a resident of Derby.
Attend a school in Derby.
Be home schooled in Derby.
The topic of this year’s essay will be to select one of the following choices and then in their own words write about their life experiences through the eyes of a 10-12-year-old child. Students may choose to have their essay child be one of the following:
Child of or living during a certain period: Paugussett Indian, Colonist, Soldier or Sailor,
Merchant, Farmer Slave, Civil War, Great Depression, WWI, WWII, Industrial Revolution,
Flood of 1955.
The top three student essays will receive a monetary award, a plaque and a certificate. Fourth thru sixth place will receive a Betsy Ross Flag. All essay participants will receive a certificate.
Winners will be invited to participate in a ceremony on Friday, July 4 at 11 a.m. at the Derby Green, where the top three students will read their essays.
The event will include hot dogs, music, games and refreshments available to all in attendance following the ceremony.
Essay rules are as follows: each student must do his or her own research on the topic they choose, and in their own words write about their life as a 10-12-year old child of that period/person. Essays must be between 300 to 500 words, typed in 14 font, and double spaced.
All essays must be submitted by May 10, 2025, to be entered into the competition.
Student essay forms are available at the Derby Elk’s, Derby Historical Society, Derby City Hall, Saint Mary/Michael’s School, Derby Middle School, CWV Post 1562, American Legion Post 24, Derby Public Library, and the Derby-Neck Library.
Any questions or to request a form, send an email to: cwv@post1562.comcastbiz.net and note in the subject line: Patriotic Essay Contest.