The Constantia chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring an American history contest for local students.

Students from the Suffolk and Franklin areas in grades five through 12 in local public, private or home schools are encouraged to submit essays. The deadline is Dec. 3.

Last year’s local winner, Jessica March of Lakeland High School, also won at the district level, which included Hampton Roads and surrounding communities including Williamsburg and the Eastern Shore.

The subject for grades five through eight is “Forgotten Patriots Who Supported the American Struggle for Independence.” Students are encouraged to focus on often-unrecognized people and groups, including blacks, American Indians, Hispanics and others who provided military, patriotic and public service in support of the American Revolution. Essays should describe a particular person or group and how they supported the cause, as well as explain why it is especially important to honor unsung heroes.

For students in grades nine through 12, the topic is “How did the faith and courage of Christopher Columbus give to mankind a new world?” Students are asked to demonstrate that these qualities were present in Columbus and how they led to the discovery of the Americas.

For more information on the contest, call 539-3479.