Ardsley 2nd grader is New York State winner of DAR contest

Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR congratulates Jack Cohen who is the New York State first place winner in the Junior American Citizen (JAC) art contest. Jack won the contest’s poster category for his poignant and detailed drawing reflecting the 2021-2022 Theme: “The 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Rise and Shine for Duty, Honor, and Patriotism.”

Jack learned about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier last November as part of his second grade Veterans Day lessons with his teachers Rebecca Schiz and Kristen Powers at the Concord Road School in Ardsley, New York. Since 2014, the Concord Road School has also spearheaded Bring a Veteran to School Day, and guest John P. Powers spoke to the classes about his service in the U.S. Army and his experiences as a helicopter pilot. “These classroom activities help provide the students with context and connections about Veterans Day,” said Jack’s teacher, Rebecca Schiz.

The Polly Cooper Chapter sponsored the contest which is also part of its National Society’s commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to increase awareness and to remember the U.S. service members who have died with their remains unidentified in defense of our freedom and democracy.

Contest submissions were evaluated on behalf of the chapter by member and Honorary Chapter Regent Kari Kjontvedt Weis who remarked "it is amazing to see the impact of the classroom program and how the contest further engaged the Concord Road Elementary students who submitted such wonderful and creative drawings. It is also exciting that one of these drawings is the New York State winner!"

JAC has been a youth-centered committee of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for more than 120 years. The JAC provides resources and volunteers to help children from preschool to 12th grade learn what it means to be a good citizen, promoting civics education, American heritage and history, love of country and service. The Polly Cooper Chapter welcomed Kimberly L. Zeman, the Junior American Citizens Committee National Chair, at their February meeting to discuss the JAC program activities and service opportunities that can be shared with schools and youth organizations in the community. To learn more about the Junior American Citizens program, please contact the chapter at info@pollycooperdar.org.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), a non-profit, non-political women’s service organization, was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. With approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active volunteer service organizations. DAR partnered with the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to observe the Centennial of the Tomb on November 11, 2021. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.org.

Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR was established in Chappaqua, New York in 2017, and our service projects have supported education and literacy, historic preservation, conservation initiatives, veterans and active-duty service members, genealogy research, naturalization ceremonies for new citizens, and more. Our members live throughout Northern Westchester County and beyond. The United States is approaching its semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, in 2026, so now is a great time to find out if you have an American Revolutionary ancestor! For more information about Polly Cooper Chapter's activities and membership, please email the chapter at info@pollycooperdar.org .