University Liggett School students sweep Louisa St. Clair DAR Chapter essay contest

For the second consecutive year, University Liggett School (ULS) students dominated the Louisa St. Clair Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) essay contest, winning both the middle and high school categories. Sophomore Morgan Johnson of St. Clair Shores and eighth grader Vanessa Haladjian of Grosse Pointe Shores will move on to the state competition. 

Fifth grader Elliott Hemler was named the chapter winner of the first ever American History Video Contest. Hemler’s video also moved on to the state competition, where it was selected as the winner of all entries in Michigan (grades 5-12). Hemler’s video will now move on to the regional division competition. If selected, his video will advance to the national competition.

Chris Hemler, Cynthia N. Ford Chair of History and the Social Studies at University Liggett School, commented on the students' accomplishments: "We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our students in both the essay and video contests. Their success reflects the commitment to academic excellence and leadership we strive to cultivate at ULS. Our students are not only engaged with history but are also shaping it through their insightful reflections and creative projects.”

In addition to their success in the essay contest, ULS students also took home the top prize in the inaugural DAR chapter video contest. This year’s competition saw an impressive number of submissions from students across the region, showcasing their academic excellence, leadership, and engagement with American history.

The following ULS students received awards in the 2024-2025 DAR contests:

• DAR Youth Leadership Award Recipients:
  • Elliott Hemler 
  • Yianni Bittas 
  • Davidson Ditima 
  • Hazen Mazzenga 
  • Preston Simmons 
  • Peyton Caldwell 
  • KateLynn Johnson
    
    
• Excellence in American History Award Recipients:
  • Annabel Klaasen 
  • Zaire Polk
  • Teresa Romanelli
    
    
• American History Video Contest Award Recipient:
  • Elliott Hemler
    
    
• American History Essay Contest Award Recipients:
  • First Place: Vanessa Haladjian 
  • Second Place: Catherine Van Culin 
  • Third Place: Cala Coyro
    
    
• Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest Recipients:
  
  
  • First Place: Morgan Johnson 
  • Second Place: Charlotte McCracken 
  • Third Place: Maxwell Brown 

In total, ULS students demonstrated exceptional achievement in all categories, including the video, essay, and leadership awards. “This remarkable success highlights not only their academic accomplishments but also the strong foundation of support from their teachers, administrators, and families,” Hemler said. 

The achievements of these students reflect the exceptional value of the Liggett Approach to education, which emphasizes the development of responsible, ethical citizens through rigorous academic challenges and a commitment to character-building.