The Sergeant Newton Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) celebrated its annual Georgia Day and the chapter’s 121st birthday at a luncheon on Feb. 10 at Burge Plantation in Mansfield.

The Newton High School Marine JROTC present colors and the American History Essay winners were presented at the event.

The six elementary schools participated in the contest. They were Livingston, Porterdale, Fairview, East Newton, Oak Hill and Middle Ridge. Kelsey Harpe, a fifth grade student at Livingston Elementary School, to first place out of 25 in the elementary school division.

Seventh grade student Aralyn Everett from Newton County Theme School took first out of the 17 essays entered in the middle school division. The schools participating were Newton County Theme School, Indian Creek, Veterans Memorial and Cousins.

This year’s topic was, “A Colonial Family’s Reaction to the Stamp Act.”

The winners will participate at the state level, and if they win there, will go on to the national level.

Sergeant Newton Chapter also sponsors the "Good Citizenship Award" for 12th grade students.

Jonathon Hyman from Newton High School was the chapter’s Good Citizenship Award Winner.

School counselors choose the Good Citizenship award winner, and the recipient is invited to enter the essay contest, writing on “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It: Of Our American Rights and Freedoms, Which One Would You Choose and Why?”

Like the elementary and middle school essayists, winners will go on to the state level and could go on to the national competition.