Canyon Ridge student recognized in National SAR Contest

Congratulations to Canyon Ridge School student, Kevin Sykes for winning 5th place in the National Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Poster Contest. Kevin completed his entry, regarding the Articles of Confederation, last year in  Mrs. Melissa Bennett’s fifth grade social studies class. Each student in the grade level generated a poster for the annual campus wide celebration of United States Constitution Day. These well researched, hand drawn examples of American history were displayed alongside the Gilder Lehrman Institute Freedom exhibit in the campus media center. After the event, all posters were submitted to the  local chapter of the SAR for contest consideration.

The rules of the competition allowed for the formulation of a poster that addressed an important event that took place during the American Revolution. Posters were judged based on historical accuracy, creativity, and overall presentation. Kevin Sykes won first place at the local level; in the SAR Saguaro Chapter contest and his teammates, Frida Santana and Ashley Meyer, secured second and third place. Students received special certificates of achievement and prizes from Arizona SAR; via a Canyon Ridge Zoom awards presentation.

Kevin Sykes then advanced to the state level contest and secured first place in Arizona, Kevin’s poster advanced for national consideration in the Spring. He won fifth place, an honorable mention, in the nationals; while competing against many other student posters from across the United States.

“We are very proud of Kevin Sykes,” states SAR Saguaro Chapter President, Mike Fisch, “He is the first student in the state of Arizona to ever win a place in a national SAR contest. His work was superb and he deserves this recognition.”

For all his efforts, Kevin Sykes received a certificate and personalized letter from representatives of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution. He also was provided with a monetary award, a gift card, an SAR commemorative medal, and various SAR publications; including a pocket edition of the Declaration of Independence and a book regarding proper American flag etiquette.