HSE senior, Westfield middle schooler win essay contests

(From left) Sophia Irene Tragesser (Carmel High School), Rachel Marie Adams (Sheridan High School), Joseph Bergin (Hamilton Southeastern High School), Leah Michelle Hensley (Tipton High School) and Sara Olivia Leatherberry (Noblesville High School). Not Pictured: Adam Rosenthall (Fishers High School), Megan Elizabeth Rice (Hamilton Heights High School), Annaleigh Rose Cummings (St. Theodore Guerin Catholic High School) and Chad Kyler Welch (Westfield High School). (Photo provided)

Joe Bergin, senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, with his parents, John and Julia Bergin. (Photo provided)

The Horseshoe Prairie Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has announced the area high school winners of the annual Good Citizen Essay Contest. This year the essay title was, “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.” The focus question for the students was, “How has America advanced the cause of freedom in the rest of the world?” Students followed specific essay guidelines which included the non-use of reference materials.

The final Chapter winner, whose essay will go on to compete at the state level, is Joseph Bergin of Hamilton Southeastern High School. Joe received his winner’s pin, certificate and a cash award.

The Chapter also announced the winner of its annual American History Essay competition.    The competition’s topic changes every year and is open to students in fifth through eighth grades. Students’ entries can include those who attend public or parochial schools or those who are homeschooled.

Madison Krich, eighth grader at Westfield Middle School. (Photo provided)

This year’s winner is Madison Krich, eighth grader at Westfield Middle School. The topic this year was “World War I: Remembering the War to End All Wars,” and Madison’s essay topic was “A New Beginning.”

A panel of three judges made the winning essay determination from students’ essays from around Hamilton County. Madison was honored with a Medal of Recognition in American History and a certificate from the Horseshoe Prairie Chapter and NSDAR.