Article by Bonnie Briscoe, DAR member
TheTThis This year the Gila Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is making available their annual scholarship to all five high schools in Graham County for students dual-enrolled at EAC in general education classes. This also includes Graham County students who are enrolled in Arizona accredited online high schools who are dual-enrolled at EAC in general ed classes.
The DAR offers four scholarships valued at $600, $500, $400 and $300. The scholarship money can be used to offset expenses for tuition and books at EAC. Students enrolled in the GIFT program can only use the money to help pay for general education classes. The scholarship money will be sent directly to EAC.
Because part of DAR’s mission is to promote an understanding of American heritage among young people, DAR scholarship committee chair, Helen Masten, said the scholarship awards will be based on the submission of a short, patriotic essay. Some research will be required, but the main emphasis of the essay will be an expression of the student’s thoughts.
With the deadline being about a month after school starts and submissions highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to work on their essays during the summer.
Here are some guidelines for the 2025 essay.
Essay topic is: How does the U.S. Constitution protect my personal freedoms?
Essays must be 450-750 words, typed, double spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font, with standard margins.
No plagiarism will be allowed. All work must be the applicant’s own. Essays will be checked for AI.
Entries must include a cover sheet with name; contact information including mailing address, e-mail address and phone number; grade level; school; classes enrolled in at EAC; and title of the essay topic.
Three or more judges will review each essay for content, clarity, organization, and heart.
Deadline: Submission of essays must be postmarked by August 26, 2025.
Winners will be recognized during the DAR Constitution Week program on September 18, appear in the 3 local newspapers in early October and on KATO Voice of the Valley the end of October.
For further information, along with where to submit essays, contact Helen Masten helengilavdar@gmail.com or a high school guidance counselor from one of the Graham County high schools.
