ONEIDA — Seven students, from area schools, were winners of the American History and Christopher Columbus Essay contests sponsored by the Oneida Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Jessica Kraeger, a tenth grade student at Rome Free Academy, was a first place winner. Other winners were, from Clinton Elementary School: Jenna Sovare, fist place, Amy Lacey Davis, second place, and Brooke Marie Wooldridge, third place; from Our Lady of Lourdes School, Utica, Samara Jean Vallieres, first place, and Sease Akighier, second place; and from Jefferson School, Utica, Christopher Murphy, third place.

Topics this year were "The Message conveyed by the Gettysburg Address" (grades 5-8) and "Five perils faced by Christopher Columbus’ Expeditions" (grades 9-12). First place essays are forwarded for state, regional and national DAR competition.

Winners were announced and Awards presented by Program Chairman, Kathleen Lonero, at a ceremony conducted Feb. 7, in the New Hartford Public Library. Each chapter winner received a bronze medal, a winner’s certificate and a monetary award. Student essays were judged on historical accuracy, organization of material, interest, originality, grammar and neatness.

In observance of American History Month, each student read their winning essay at the awards program, and introduced family members, teachers and guests in attendance.

Brian J. Howard, executive director of the Oneida County Historical Society, displayed several historical artifacts on exhibit at the society. Howard emphasized "The Importance of Preserving Oneida County/Mohawk Valley History."