The Constantia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring two essay contests for local students.

Students in grades fifth through 12th, in public, private or parochial school or home school, are eligible to participate in the contests. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 25.

Students in grades 5-8 will write about “The Voyage of the Mayflower.” Students will write about what materials they would pack for the trip on the Mayflower and starting their new life in the wilderness. Fifth-grade students will write 300 to 600 words, and those in sixth, seventh and eighth grades will write 600 to 1,000 words.

Students in high school grades will write about Christopher Columbus, imagining they are a sailor on his 1492 voyage. They should write about their impression of Columbus, the purpose of the expedition, what they say and the significance of the discoveries made. Students should write 800 to 1,200 words.

Essays must include a bibliography. Judging will be based on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, organization of material, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness.

Chapter winners will be forwarded to the state level and may eventually progress to the division and national levels.

Call Linda Riddick at 934-1831 for complete details and rules.