HOISINGTON — The Sons of the Plains chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution has selected Emma Reif, sophomore at Hoisington High School, the winner of their chapter’s Knight Essay Contest. Emma is a student of Marion Oborny. She is the daughter of Wayne and Daniela Reif.
Reif is involved in vocal music, basketball and KAYS. She plans to pursue a degree in elementary education by attending Barton Community College and Fort Hays State University.
The Knight Essay Contest is open to sophomores, juniors or seniors who write an essay about an event, person or ideal associated with the American Revolution or the U.S. Constitution. Reif competed with other chapter winners at the Kansas Society State convention in Junction City on March 24.
Membership in the SAR is open to men who can demonstrate that their ancestor provided active service in the cause of American independence either by serving in the military or in some other significant role.
Goals of the 129 year-old patriotic organization include promoting patriotism, and building respect for American history and the founding fathers. The SAR also supports veterans in VA hospitals, the Boy Scouts and ROTC cadets. Awards and scholarships are given to students who win orations and poster contests on patriotic topics. One of the SAR’s newest programs is to select an American History Teacher and send the winner to the Freedoms Foundation Teacher Workshop in Valley Forge, Pa.
The Sons of the Plains chapter meets at 9 a.m. the second Saturday of the month from September to May in the Walnut Room of the Hutchinson Community College Student Union. Further information about the SAR, the Knight Essay Contest or its other activities is available by calling chapter president, Justin Engleman at (620) 792-2429.