I am excited and honored to serve my first position in the California State Society as Vice Chairman, American History Committee, under the Jamison Administration and I look forward to receiving the winning essays in the Christopher Columbus Essay Contest from all fifteen districts in the state!

Sponsored with the National Italian American Foundation, the annual Christopher Columbus Essay Contest is open to public, private, parochial, or home-schooled students in grades 9 through 12.A century ago, in 1912, our nation dedicated a magnificent monument in Washington, D.C., containing the inscription “To the memory of Christopher Columbus, whose high faith and indomitable courage gave to mankind a New World.”The topic for the 2012-2013 Christopher Columbus Essay Contest is:  “How did the faith and courage of Christopher Columbus give to mankind a new world?”Be sure to check the National website and download the contest forms to present to participating schools as soon as the new school year begins.  The deadlines are the same as last year and coincide with the American History Essay Contest.  Essays are due from the schools to chapters by November 15; from chapters to districts by December 15; and from districts to state by January 15.

Debbie Amaro
Vice Chairman, American History
daamaro@ca.rr.com