A Lakeland High School student is the winner of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s annual Christopher Columbus Essay Contest for the chapter and the district.

Devon Morris, a junior at Lakeland, won the essay contest for the local Constantia chapter, which encompasses high-school students in grades 9 through 12. His essay went on for consideration at the district level, which covers Tidewater from Smithfield to Virginia Beach, the Peninsula up to Williamsburg and Yorktown, as well as the lower Eastern Shore, and won there as well.

“This is a real accomplishment and honor for our local student,” said Christine Young, American History and Essay Committee chairman.

Morris is a dual enrollment student and is on track to receive his associate degree at Paul D. Camp Community College by the time he graduates from high school.

The essay was on the topic “Columbus and Lindbergh: A Journey Across the Atlantic.” Students were asked to write 800 to 1,200 words on the similarities and differences between Columbus’ voyage to the New World and Charles Lindbergh’s first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.