Amelia Ortega, a sixth-grade student at St. Leo’s School in Lincroft, won both the Monmouth County and the state essay contest for sixth grade students that was sponsored by the Shrewsbury Towne-Monmouth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently.
Students from throughout New Jersey were invited to submit essays for the annual contest, with first place finishers at local levels then representing the local DAR chapter at the state level. Eight schools in the area competed in the local chapter’s competition and were judged by professionals both members and non-members of the DAR under a strict set of standards that included everything from proper grammar and spelling to historic accuracy and understanding.
For Amelia, this was the second essay contest she has ever entered, and she faced tough competition not only from sixth grade students from all the other schools and her own classmates. But for this lively, history loving honor student, there was one more personal challenge.
A twin, Amelia’s sister Lucia is also in the sixth grade at St. Leo’s and is also an outstanding writer who entered the essay contest with talent and confidence. Amelia edged her out by mere points; Lucia pulled a close second place award.
The twins are the daughters of Veronica and Luis Ortega of Middletown and have been attending St. Leo’s since kindergarten. “Both my parents are graduates of catholic schools, ,” Amelia explained, “so it’s kind of a tradition.”
The St. Leo’s sixth graders were required to enter the contest as part of their social studies class, and Amelia was particularly happy about that. While she candidly admits she would not have liked to live in Revolutionary times, she enjoyed the topic for the DAR essay and felt confident because she liked it so well, she could do a good job writing about it. “I loved the Broadway show Hamilton!” she said. Still, she added, “while I loved writing about it, it isn’t my favorite time. I would rather live in ancient Greek times and be a gladiator.”
That the teaching staff at St. Leo’s works together to help their students is evidenced by Amelia’s praise of her language arts instructor, Mrs. Gross. While it was Social Studies that made writing an essay an assignment, for Amelia, “ Mrs. Gross always gives me detailed feedback on my writing assignments and helps me improve my essays or stories. She’s the teacher that helps me with my writing the most.”
Yes, she loves to write, Amelia enthuses, and credits yet another St. Leo’s staffer, the librarian, Mrs. Wall, with that interest. She attributes Mrs. Wall with “helping me discover my love of reading. And I decided I wanted to make books too.” Which probably explains why this sixth grader is also hoping to attend Communications High School in two years, the Monmouth County Vocational School District school and ultimately become either an author or an animator.
In her free time, Amelia says her hobbies are traditional and include digital art, animation and photography.
Looking back on both the local and state first place awards, Amelia said she entered the contest because of the class requirement and did not expect to win at either level. “But I’m glad I did, “ she laughed, “It helped me do more research about the Revolutionary War.”
And while she credits others with helping her not only through the essay phase but through everyday life, she declines to identify them other than to say they are her best friends. “I’ll describe them as the people who always make me laugh, help me with my work, and encourage me to keep writing.”
The Edenton Tea party: A Brave stand Against unfair Taxes joining
October 25, 1774, is a day I will always remember. My name is Amelia, and today I am with about fifty other women in Edenton, North Carolina, to stand up against the British’ They have been taxing almost everything we use: tea, paper, clothing, and our families are struggling.
British leaders across the ocean make these decisions, without knowing or caring how much we suffer because of them. But today, we have decided to fight back’ we are gathering at Mrs. Penelope Barker’s house, one of our leaders, and we are ready to take action.
As I walk toward Mrs. Barker’s house, I feel both nervous and excited. The other women walking with me, wives, mothers, daughters, all look serious and determined. Many of us are wearing the same simple, homespun clothes that we’ve been sewing and spinning for months’ to stop using British fabrics.
We are here for our families, our children, and our future. The British taxes are not just about money; they are taking away our freedom to make our own choices, our right to support our families how *” a.u fit.
Today, we are saying, “Enough is enough.,, when we reach Mrs’ Barker’s house, she welcomes us inside. Her home feels warm, but there is something special in the air. We are not just protesting taxes; we are also showing that women can speak up and be strong, too. ln the room, I see familiar faces, friends and neighbors who have always been there for me. Now we are here for each other, showing that we’re not afraid to take a stand.
Mrs. Barker calls us together and holds up a document called the Edenton Resolves. She says, “Maybe it has only been men who have protested the King’s taxes, but women can be just as strong’.”
She’s right. This document states that we, the women of Edenton, will stop buying British goods. We will not purchase their tea, their fabrics, or any items that support their unfair rules. We are serious about our commitment, and Mrs. Barker’s voice is steady and strong, inspiring each of us to be as fearless as she is.
I feel a shiver as I realize how important this moment is. We are making history. Just like the men in Boston who had the Tea Party last year, we are taking a stand. We may not be dumping tea into a harbor, but our actions are just as strong. We are showing the world that women can be brave, too, and that we have the courage to stand up for our beliefs as one by one we step forward to sign the Edenton Resolves. When it’s my turn, I take a deep breath and sign my name. lt feels like I am leaving a piece of myself on that page, showing that I, too, am a part of this great cause.
When all the names are signed, there is a quiet sense of accomplishment in the room. We know the British won’t be happy when they hear about this, and there might be consequences for each of us. Sorne people might even think we are wrong to take such a stand. But standing together, we are ready to face whatever comes.
After we sign, Mrs. Barker invites us to sit and talk about what this means. We know our boycott might not end the British taxes right away, but it’s a start. By refusing to buy their goods, we are sending a clear message: “We will not be governed by laws we did not make ourselves.” This action won’t solve everything overnight, but it is a powerful statement, one that says our small community won’t give in to their unjust rules.
As we leave Mrs. Barker’s house, the sun is setting, casting a golden light over Edenton. It feels like the perfect ending to an important day. Walking home, I feel proud. I glance at the other women beside me and see the same determination in their faces. We are more than just housewives; we are patriots and part of something greater than ourselves. Even though we do not have guns or swords, we are making a difference in the way that we can.
Tonight, I will sit by the fire with my family and tell them what I did. They will understand that this isn’t just about tea; it’s about standing up for what is right. By refusing to buy British goods, we are hurting their economy and showing them, they can’t make all the rules. We are stronger when we work together, and our actions today will make an impact that goes beyond this one event. I know people will talk about what we did today.
The Edenton Tea Party may not be as big as the Boston Tea Party, but it’s just as important. Our protest will spread hope across the colonies, showing others that everyone can play a part in the fight for freedom. We may not carry weapons, but our voices and choices are powerful, and our efforts, though small, will help build a new future, The Edenton Tea Party proves that women are strong and courageous, ready to make sacrifices for what they believe in. As Mrs. Barker said, “The duty of women as patriots is not less than that of men.” We don’t need to fight in the streets to make a difference. Sometimes, the biggest impact comes from standing together, signing our names, and refusing to be silent. When people look back on this day, I hope they remember the courage of the women of Edenton, who stood together not just for themselves but for their families and the future of our colony.
The Fifth Grade Winner HERE
