Tristan Morton’s essay entry selected for second place in the nation

Tristan Morton

Tristan Morton, 11, a student at St. Michael School, in Augusta, and Star Scout at Augusta Troop #603, was notified that his entry for the essay contest hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was selected for second place among sixth grade entries nationally. Tristan’s journey began with an essay on John Phillip Sousa’s Star Spangled Banner from the perspective of a reporter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for its first public presentation.

Tristan has been amazed by the reception his essay received, as he was first selected to represent St. Michael School’s sixth grade. Reading the essay for the local post of the DAR, he was selected to represent the post at the State of Maine level. Next, he was chosen as Maine’s sixth grade DAR Essay Representative. Tristan’s work competed for the New England & New York region and after selection moved into the competition at the National level for the sixth grade.

Tristan’s parents, Marleen Lajoie COL. (ret.) USARNG & Jeffrey Morton COL. (ret.) USAR are proud of his efforts and the message of respect and honor his essay presents. His description of a 19th century patriotic setting, and the excited reception of this music by the crowd captured both the excitement and patriotic zeal at that 19th century event.

Tristan’s family is coordinating a visit to the National DAR Conference, in Washington, DC, for Tristan to receive his recognition and thank the organization. Tristan’s messages of respect for the artist and those who sacrificed to sustain our great country echo key elements of his school, Scouting America, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.