Two Destin Middle School students have received recognition from the West Florida Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for excellence in American history and civics.

Fifth-grader Connelly Grelle won the chapter’s American History Essay Contest with her piece titled “Enjoying a New Kind of Tea Party: The Importance of Women in American History.” Her essay earned first place locally, at the state level in Florida and in the Southeastern Division before placing third nationally.

• Grelle’s essay examined the first political protest led by women in the British Colonies, focusing on the 1774 response to the Tea Act passed by the British Parliament. She wrote about 51 women from Edenton, North Carolina, who signed a statement boycotting tea and other British goods from England.

“This year’s essay contest was highly competitive, and Connelly’s essay stood out for its insightful analysis, historical accuracy, and strong writing,” said Leah McGill, chairperson of the American History Essay Contest.

The contest encourages students in grades five through eight to explore American history through creative writing. Dr. Belinda Small, principal of Destin Middle School, noted that the school has had winners for the past two years.

Grelle received recognition at multiple levels, including a certificate, medal and Barnes and Noble gift card at the February West Florida DAR chapter meeting. At the DAR State Conference in Orlando, she received a medal and monetary award from Florida State Society State Regent Cindy Addison. She will receive additional recognition and a larger monetary award at the 134th Congressional Congress of NSDAR in June.

The chapter also presented the Patti Kroeger Excellence in Civics Award to student Khloe Pace. The award was established in 2022 as a memorial to Patti Kroeger, a West Florida DAR member who taught civics at Destin Middle School for many years.

• West Florida DAR Regent Robbie Carroll introduced Kroeger’s husband, Chester Kroeger, and his son, The Honorable Brand Kroeger, Special Assistant to the President of the United States. Chester Kroeger announced Pace as the fourth annual award winner, presenting her with a certificate and $50 gift card.

Brand Kroeger expressed his family’s gratitude for the award honoring his mother’s memory and preserving her legacy for future students.

The West Florida Chapter represents more than 146 members and serves Destin and Walton County communities. The chapter meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Kelly Plantation Owner’s Clubhouse in Destin.

Founded in 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution promotes patriotism, preserves American history and works to secure America’s future through education. The organization has inducted more than one million members since its founding.