Budding Authors Write Winning Essays on the Women’s Suffrage Movement
In January, SCCS students, Sienna Rodriquez (7th grade) and Sarah McPartland (6th grade), entered an American History Essay contest, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on the subject of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Both students won at the chapter level and Sienna won at the district level. Sienna’s essay will now be considered at the state level.
“I chose to write an essay because I was curious to compare both the secular and biblical views of the Women’s Suffrage Movement,” shared Sienna. “It is interesting to understand the history of the movement and the decades it took to achieve those rights.”
Both students were guests of honor at a February 2nd DAR luncheon where they presented their essays and were awarded pins and certificates.
“This topic ties into my biblical worldview by helping me remember that God created everybody equally, and that everyone deserves to be treated equally as well,” shared Sarah. “It also correlates with what I am learning in school in Colossians. In Colossians 4:11 it says, ‘there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.’ This verse talks about how everybody is equal, just like what the essay dealt with.”
Essays were submitted at the local chapter level and one student per grade advanced to the next level. Judging is based on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, organization of material, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness. When their respective teachers, Amanda Hovey and Melissa Coughlin, presented the essay opportunity in class, both students were interested in the challenge and learned much from the process.
“I enjoyed learning the impact of ratifying the 19th Amendment and how those rights continue to change the future,” continued Sienna. “The Bible tells us that God has prepared a role for each of us and we should follow His plan. Although the Women’s Suffrage Campaign has attained women many rights, I do believe that God designed men and women differently for His purpose.”
Congratulations Sienna and Sarah!