Four students from grades 5-8 and a fisheries biologist were honored by the Michael Trebert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at their annual George Washington Tea on Saturday, Feb. 29.

The students were selected from among 91 who submitted essays on an assigned topic: the voyage of the Mayflower, in recognition of its 400th anniversary in 2020.

Eighth-grade winner Georgia Bullard of Sequim, a homeschool student at Olympic Peninsula Academy, wrote an entertaining essay in journal form. Her essay was also selected as the state level winner, and will now be forwarded to regional competition.

The winner for seventh grade was Drake Austin from Queen of Angels School in Port Angeles. Sixth-grade winner Grace Rogers also attends Queen of Angels. The students read their winning essays aloud at the tea.

Fifth-grade winner Hannah Hairell of Port Angeles attends Hamilton Elementary. She was unable to attend the tea, but was honored at a school assembly in January.

Each winner received a medal, certificate and cash award of $50, presented by Ginny Wagner and Sandy Frykholm, members of the contest committee.

The Michael Trebert Chapter also presented a Conservation Award to Mike McHenry, fisheries habitat manager for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. He has helped restore salmon habitat along miles of streams and rivers in Clallam County.

McHenry received a certificate and medal from Michael Trebert Chapter, presented by chapter member Ann Chang.

Following the awards presentations, George Washington — portrayed by Vern Frykholm of Sequim — spoke to the group about the forms of government discussed by the founding fathers at the Constitutional Convention.