The General John A Sutter Chapter honors the Chapter Winner of the Patriots of the American Revolution American History Essay Contest. (L-R): Sue Frost, Chairperson for the American History Essay Contest, Chapter Winner, Shanya Sohbi, committee members Dianne Poppert, Diane Weller, and Ginger Reed.

CITRUS HEIGHTS/RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On January 20, Shanya Sobhi, a Senior at Cordova High School received an award from the General John A. Sutter chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for her in-depth essay on Abigail Adams.

Sue Frost, Sacramento Board of Supervisors, and Chair of the DAR American History Essay team presented Sobhi with her award.  Her winning essay will go on to the District level, and hopefully on to State and finally the National competition in Washington D.C.

Frost explained that every year DAR chapters invite students from across the county to participate in an American history essay contest. A different topic is given to students in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Students in grades 9 to 12 receive the same topic. Members of the teamwork with schools in the different districts to encourage participation.

Frost commented, “Shanya stood out right away as a student who has an appreciation for American history, our government, its founding, freedom, and the principles and everything America stands for.”

Frost added from her own experience, “If you really want to know the history look up the forgotten letters of communication between the writers that describe the conflicts, struggles and aspirations and their vison for the future of the writers.”

In her 1,200-word essay entitled “The Founding Mother, following in-depth research, Sobhi chose to highlight Abigail’s fight for educating children, especially girls; women’s rights, and abolishing slavery. She cited many quotes on these topics:

One article related, “Even John Adams had many doubts (during this time) but his pillar of reliance and confidence came from his wife, Abigail Adams. Her confidence and opinionated personality makes her a remarkable political presence. She is often an underrepresented patriot by her accomplishments are silently observed and celebrated. She has contributed to the development of the United States through her advocacy of education, abolition of slavery and women’s rights.”

Regarding education, “She understood a nation’s evolution came from its children. It is from legacy and improvement of education that children are encouraged to be curious, continuing a virtuous development of the nation. Abigail was a mother to the whole nation.”

Abigail spoke the minds of the women and minorities. “It is from the early education of youth and the first principles which are instilled (that) take the deepest root” for advancement of learners and future leaders of the United States.”

She concludes with a summary of the importance of Abigail Adams’ influence on the founding of the United States. “Her brave and bold gesture towards her husband was that of cultural shock and defiance, as no other woman had the same demeanor and vigor in declaring their rights and independence (when) away from their husbands. Abigail Adams is a forgotten patriot due to her being a woman, however, she is most influential as she indirectly influences the writing of the constitution. John Adams listened to hear the Founding Fathers, but he listened to understand Abigail and her vision of the newborn nation. While John Adams is one of the Founding Fathers, Abigail Adams was one of the Founding Mothers”.

Sobhi came to the United States from Iraq with her family in 2017 at the age of 11. They have resided in Rancho Cordova since then. She has one younger sister and one younger brother.  Resources used were books, letters, and online biographies. She used credible websites such as the Library of Congress, as they have the most archived documents.

In an interview Sobhi stated she plans to hopefully attend a university and major in Biology as she is interested in the medical field.

According to their website, “Founded in 1890, DAR is a national nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future.” Members are verified descendants of those who “aided in achieving American Independence.” 

The General John A. Sutter chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) serves the Sacramento region.

Website’ https://genjohnasutter.californiadar.org.