Elizabeth Swift, a Ridgefield High School junior, has been selected as a statewide winner of two prestigious essay and oration contests sponsored by the Washington State Society of The Sons of The American Revolution (SAR).
Swift won first place in the George S. & Stella Knight Essay Contest for the second consecutive year, stated a news release from SAR. Her essay detailed the contributions by Caty Greene, the wife of Continental Army Major Nathanael Greene.
It also illustrated the increasing roles of leadership women played during and after the American Revolution.
Along with securing the top spot in the essay contest, Swift placed second in Washington state for the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historic Oration Contest. She delivered a six-minute presentation on the plight of enslaved people during the American Revolution.
Swift previously won first place at the local level through the Ft. Vancouver SAR Chapter.
The release stated both contests challenge high school students in grades 9-12 to complete research and prepare an essay or oration on a topic or person related to The American Revolution.
Swift received $1,000 for first place in the essay contest and $500 for runner up in the oration contest. She is the daughter of Darren and Evangeline Swift, of Ridgefield.
SAR is the largest male lineage organization in the United States and consists of men who can provide lineal bloodline descent from people who served during the Revolutionary War, or who contributed to establishing the independence of the United States, stated the release.
“The society is dedicated to assisting its members, schools, teachers, veterans and the general public in their efforts to sustain and preserve our history and constitutional principles,” stated the release.
In addition to the essay and oration contests for high school students, SAR sponsors an essay contest for youth who are Eagle Scouts or are enrolled in a high school with a JROTC unit. The society also introduced a new youth video contest this year. They also have a poster design contest for elementary students and a brochure design contest for middle school students.
