Isabella Loeffelholz, Class of 2026, didn’t realize what a talented historian she was when she entered her essay titled “The Women’s Suffrage Campaign” to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) American History Essay Contest—an annual competition for students in Grades 5 to 8. Isabella not only won the Linares Chapter Grade 5 contest, but her essay also went on to win at the district level. Out of the 11 DAR Chapters in San Diego, Isabella was named the San Diego County 5th Grade winner.
“I was thrilled when the result was announced. I was inspired by the topic because the 19th Amendment affects all women and our rights to this day,” said Isabella on her accomplishment.
Isabella was inspired to enter the contest after she learned about it in class. David Ries, Isabella’s Grade 5 teacher, shared with students that the contest encouraged young people to think creatively about American history and to put history in a new light. Energized by this prompt, Isabella chose to write about the women’s suffrage movement from the perspective of a young activist.
“Isabella beautifully captured the thoughts and experiences of a young woman pushing for the ratification of the 19th amendment,” said David Ries. “We are very proud of her accomplishment.”
Isabella was honored on Thursday, April 4, at a special awards luncheon where she received her chapter level winner certificate, district winner framed certificate, a DAR Excellence in History Bronze Medal, and $125 cash award. As a gift to Parker, DAR donated the book “Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote,” by Kirsten Gillibrand to the Lower School library in honor of Isabella’s winning entry.
Founded in 1890, DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization comprised of women who have a direct lineage to patriots of the American Revolution and maintain the goal to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and secure America’s future through better education for children.
As a rising Middle School student, Isabella will have the opportunity to use her exceptional storytelling abilities for one of Parker’s favorite traditions—competing in National History Day.
