Nine Neelyville students won regional and national awards in the Junior American Citizens contest, presented by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
The Poplar Bluff Chapter NSDAR announced Neelyvill’es JAC contest winners. There were three national winners and six division winners, all of whom were honored at the Neelyville High School awards assembly on May 11.
The JAC contest is a creative expression challenge for all grades and categories allowing students to reflect upon topics of American history through art or writing. The theme for the 2022-2023 school year was “The 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail: Moving the Stars and Stripes Westward.” Through the JAC program, the NSDAR seeks to promote civics education, American heritage and history, and patriotism.
7th grade winners were: Marianna Riggs, Postage Stamp Design, 1st Place State, 1st Place South Central Division, and 1st Place National; Elleigh Casey, Poetry, 1st Place State, 1st Place South Central Division, 2nd Place National; Alicia Barker, Poster, 1st Place State, 2nd Place South Central Division; Mallory Dicken, Postage Stamp, 1st Place State, 2nd Place South Central Division; Jacen Litterst, Short Story, 1st Place State; Jace Dodd, 1st Place State, Poetry.
8th grade winners were: Sara Tolliver, Postage Stamp Design, 1st Place State, 1st Place South Central Division, 1st Place National and Jarrett McKuin, 1st Place State, 2nd Place South Central Division.
Neelyville American History teacher Michelle Phillips received the theme of the JAC contest in September and worked it into her curriculum so her classes could compete, according to the NSDAR.
Any teacher or homeschoolers interested in having their classes take part in the Junior American Citizens Contest next year may call or text the Poplar Bluff Chapter NSDAR at 573-714-4177 for materials.