WPS Students Recognized in 2026 DAR Essay Contests

4/22/2026

Berlin, MD – On Monday, April 20, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) presented this year’s essay contest awards, recognizing outstanding student achievement in American history and citizenship.

The local General Levin Winder Chapter of the DAR recently sponsored American History essay contests in area schools. The American History Essay Contest, open to students in grades 5 through 8, featured the topic “Lunch with a Signer.” Students were asked to imagine going back in time to share a meal with a signer of the Declaration of Independence and reflect on how that individual’s actions and service contributed to the nation’s independence.

Students from Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) participated in the contest, with the following students earning top honors:

Grade 6 Winner: Carter Harrison
Runner-up: Anya Murukutla

Grade 7 Winner: Evan Kaufman
Runner-up: Elliana Arauz

Grade 8 Winner: Lillian Ha
Runner-up: Emma Sherrin

Carter Harrison, Evan Kaufman, and Lillian Ha will advance to the state-level competition.

The Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest, open to students in grades 9 through 12, asked participants to select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773–1783) and explain how that individual influenced the course of the Revolution and contributed to the founding of a new nation. WPS sophomore Hayden Wagner earned first place for her submission.

Additionally, the DAR Good Citizens Program, established in 1934 by the National Society, recognizes high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of good citizenship, including dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. WPS senior Beckett Green was honored with the 2026 Good Citizens Award, as selected by faculty.

The DAR is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through education. For more information, visit www.dar.org or http://GeneralLevinWinder.marylanddar.org.

Founded in 1970, WPS is a private, independent Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 School, located in Berlin, Maryland. Approximately 500 students attend from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. For more information about WPS, please visit www.worcesterprep.org or call 410.641.3575.

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Pictured from left: WPS Head of Middle School Jake Perry; Head of Upper School Carol Evans; 2026 Worcester Preparatory School DAR Good Citizen Award recipient Beckett Green (Berlin, MD); and Head of School Dr. Betsy Hornung.
Pictured are this year’s General Levin Winder Chapter of the DAR High School American History Essay Contest winners. From left: DAR Regent Sharon Moak; first-place winner, WPS sophomore Hayden Wagner (Lewes, DE); second-place winner, Stephen Decatur High School student Georgine Dewald; and DAR American History Committee Chair Shirley Moran.
Pictured are this year’s General Levin Winder Chapter of the DAR American History Essay Contest winners and runners-up from Worcester Preparatory School. From left: DAR Regent Sharon Moak; students Anya Murukutla (Rehoboth Beach, DE), Carter Harrison (Ocean City, MD), Elliana Arauz (Ocean View, DE), Evan Kaufman (Selbyville, DE), Emma Sherrin (Ocean City, MD), and Lillian Ha (Bishopville, MD); and DAR American History Committee Chair Shirley Moran.

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Worcester Preparatory School

508 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811

Phone: 410-641-3575 | Fax: 410-641-3586

Celebrating 50 years, WPS is an independent, college prep day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 students. Located in Berlin, Maryland, the private school attracts an average of 500 students from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.