Long before the Boston Tea Party became a symbol of American rebellion, it may have been quietly sparked by a group of determined women in church basements, sewing circles, and colonial kitchens. Milford Junior High School 8th grader Skye Lowery took home first place in the Mariemont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) American History Essay Contest, beating out more than 30 student entries from across the Cincinnati area for her powerful reflection on the important impact women had during the American Revolution.
Her essay imagined what it would’ve been like to be a young woman in the North Carolina colonies standing up to British taxes and helping lead a protest against tea shipments. Told from a first-person point of view, Skye’s story stood out for how real and reflective it felt.
“She didn’t just write what happened. She thought about what it meant,” said Sherri Smithson, American History Committee Chair for DAR. “She ended her essay asking, ‘Will this make a difference?’ and decided, ‘Yes, it will.’ That made her essay powerful.”
Skye was honored at school with a certificate and $100 prize, presented during Talon Time by Smithson and Regent Mary Jo Holohan. Two more Milford students, Ellie Snow and Autumn Myers, were also recognized with certificates for their strong entries.
This year’s contest theme, “Enjoying a New Kind of Tea Party”,asked students to explore the many tea protests that happened during the 1770s, not just the Boston Tea Party. Students were encouraged to examine how women played important roles in organizing early acts of resistance.
“We’re proud to celebrate young writers like Skye, Ellie, and Autumn who put so much thought and effort into their work,” said Hollihan. “It’s important for students to learn that history includes everyday people making brave choices—especially women.”
Skye credited her success to the support of her teacher, Mr. Bailey, who guided her throughout the process.
“I did this first draft I didn’t like too much, and when I went to turn it in, I told Mr. Bailey,” said Skye. “He pointed me in the right direction and told me I could keep working on it. It took a long time, but it was really cool to think about what it would’ve felt like to be part of something that big.”
Skye went back to work doing extra research and spending time outside of school to improve her essay. Her effort paid off big time with the award and a stronger connection to the history she brought to life.
“Contests like this give students a chance to sharpen real-world skills—writing, critical thinking, time management—and build confidence,” said Smithson. “Skye showed what happens when a student takes ownership of their learning and puts in the effort.”