Six local students were recognized for their research and writing about American history and civic responsibility during an awards ceremony hosted by the West Florida Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
- The ceremony honored winners of the chapter’s 2026 American History Essay Contest and Good Citizen Award, with this year’s topics tying directly to the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday celebration on July 4.
Connelly Grelle, a sixth-grade student at Destin Middle School, took first place in the essay contest with her piece titled “Put Your John Hancock on That.” The contest invited students in fifth through eighth grades to imagine traveling back to 1776 to have lunch with a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Grelle chose John Hancock, exploring how the founding father’s bold signature on the Declaration became a symbol of American defiance.
“He was passionate about our country becoming independent from Britain,” Grelle said. “Hancock’s famous large signature represented his patriotism, and his strong stance with America becoming independent.”
- Grelle’s essay highlighted the legendary quote attributed to Hancock at the signing: “There, I guess King George will be able to read that without his spectacles!” She noted that his oversized signature has since become synonymous with the act of signing one’s name.
Beyond his famous penmanship, Grelle wrote that “Hancock created unity for others, and he believed in generosity, kindness, and justice. He was referred to as ‘a man of the people’ for these reasons.”
Freeport Middle School student Sheilia Bouldridge earned second place in the essay competition.
Three area high school seniors received Good Citizen Awards, which recognize students who demonstrate qualities of good citizenship at home, at school and in their communities. Recipients receive a pin featuring 13 stars representing the original colonies, a blue enamel band for the DAR and symbols including a laurel wreath of honor and torch of understanding.
- Anaya Patel of Seacoast Collegiate High School claimed first place, with Elijah Brooks Ordis of Destin High School and Austin Hays Hostetler of South Walton High School named as runners-up.
This year’s Good Citizen focus question asked students to consider how the characteristics of good citizenship can help renew and strengthen the democracy achieved by Patriots of the American Revolution as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial.
Chapter Regent Robbie Carroll welcomed students, teachers, principals and families to the ceremony.
The West Florida Chapter was founded in 2014 and represents more than 146 members across Destin and Walton County. The organization works to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism in the community.
The chapter meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Kelly Plantation Owner’s Clubhouse in Destin. More information is available here.
