HAYDEN — WayMaker Christian Academy junior Brody Slawson has a deep interest in American history.

After he learned he is the 2025 History Student of Excellence for the Daughters of the American Revolution Lt. George Farragut Chapter, he said a question began circulating in his mind: "Why American history?"

"I realized that I am curious and fascinated by the great people that have come before me and how certain moments in time and people contributed to this great country that I’m so blessed to be living in," Brody said, "like the brave men and women who founded this country and built it on a strong foundation of faith, courage and fortitude, rejecting oppressive rule and embracing the will of the people instead.”

Brody, who was nominated for the award by his school principal, Dianna Renz, shared his thoughts Friday morning during the awards ceremony at the Hayden Eagles Lodge.

"I'm so honored to be here today," Brody said.

With the goal of helping educate the next generation and helping keep freedom at the forefront, the Lt. George Farragut Chapter, along with the national DAR society, sponsors annual essay contests. This year, the chapter added a new opportunity for a History Student of Excellence and video contest.

The 2025 essay topic for fifth through eighth grade was "Enjoying a New Kind of Tea Party," which encouraged young writers to imagine they were one of the women who refused to buy or chose to burn tea due to high British taxes and laws in 1774 and 1775. The Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest tasked participants with selecting a historical figure from the era and discussing how he or she influenced the course of the Revolution.

The chapter winner for the eighth grade American History Essay Contest was Canfield Middle Schooler Eli Bardwell. His essay was submitted to the state contest, and he won first place in the state.

The chapter winner for the Patriots of the American Revolution High School Essay Contest was Josie Zepeda, an 11th grade homeschool student at Our Lady of the Lake Academy. Her essay was submitted to the state contest, where it won first place. 

Also during the ceremony, three students who were nominated by their school counselors for their dependability, service, leadership and patriotism received DAR Good Citizen awards: Eva Brown, Coeur d'Alene High School; Rowen Lair, Lake City High School, who was unable to attend the ceremony; and Abigail Johnson, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy.

Each student had the option to write an essay on the subject of how service is an essential attribute of a good citizen that fosters a strong sense of community and strengthens American identity.

Eva was the winner of the Good Citizen Essay Contest, earning a $300 check.

“It’s surreal,” Eva said. “I was not expecting it. That I had the opportunity to do this and actually won was amazing. I love my country so much, and I love just being able to help people. It makes my heart happy."

DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s volunteer organization whose members' ancestors fought in the American Revolution. DAR's main missions are historic preservation, patriotism and education, with a dedication to help preserve freedoms and promote an appreciation of American history, especially among young people.

American History Chair Carolin Coad commended the students for rising to the challenge of submitting their entries when school life is already busy enough.

"You have gone the extra mile; and because of this, you are here with us today," she said. "Norman Vincent Peale said, 'Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.' Today, you students are our stars."

    Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution Lt. George Farragut Chapter and guests celebrate essay contest winners Friday morning at the Hayden Eagles. From left: Michelle Fansler, Kathy Swanson, Eli Bardwell, Brody Slawson, Josie Zepeda, Logan Creighton and Carolin Coad.
  

    Our Lady of the Lake Academy junior Josie Zepeda smiles Friday as she receives certificates and honors from the Daughters of the American Revolution for her winning American history video contest entry and Patriots of the American Revolution high school essay. Josie’s video has been forwarded to the national level, where it will be judged against the seven other DAR districts in the country.
  

    From left, Vice Regent 1 Kathy Swanson, Coeur d'Alene High senior Eva Brown, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy senior Abigail Johnson, Regent Michelle Fansler and R.J. Banks, recording secretary and Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen chair, Lt. George Farragut Chapter, gather for a photo Friday morning as students are honored for their good citizenry and essay writing skills.