The Daily Record
General William C. Lee Essay Winners Announced
By KEILAH GOFF
Of The Record Staff
The celebration of the life and achievements of Dunn’s hometown hero, Gen. William C. Lee, continued yesterday with the presentation of awards to winning student essay writers.Gen. Lee is considered the “Father of the American Airborne” and helped plan the DDay invasion into Normandy, which historians regard as the beginning of the end for Hitler and Nazi Germany.High school and middle school students from across the county were invited to participate in the essay competition, addressing the topic: “Who was General William C. Lee, and why was his career important to the United States of America?”
The top three winners of each group were invited to yesterday’s presentation ceremony at the General William C. Lee Airborne Museum in Dunn. Joe Tart, chairman of the essay competition, said the essays were all impressive works by the young students.
“Writing about history is one of the most difficult things in the world to do,” he said. “It was amazing to read the papers and see the depth of thinking.”
Ninety-six essays were received from students of Harnett Central High School, Western Harnett High School, Dunn Middle School and Harnett Central Middle School. According to Mayor Oscar Harris, this was See Essays, Page 3 Essays
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the largest amount ever received in the history of the competition. Each essay was de-identified before judging. First place winners were awarded $300, second place $200 and third place earned a $100 prize.
The middle school competition winners were:
■ First place — Grayson Bradham, Dunn Middle School
■ Second place—Hope Sharpe, Harnett Central Middle
■ Third place — Tilghman Pope, Dunn Middle School The high school competition winners were:
■ First place — Emily Nicole Moreland, Harnett Central High School
■ Second place — Kristen Bertolino, Harnett Central High School
■ Third place — Soumya Varma, Harnett Central High School Copies of the essays will be archived in the museum.
Other Gen. William C. Lee Week Events:
■ Today — DEADLINE: Registration for Saturday’s Walk in the Park with a Veteran Parade. There is no entry fee, but registration forms must be received today at the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce, 209 W. Divine St., Dunn.
■ Today — 11 a.m. Field of Honor Flag Dedication Ceremony. A memorial Flag Garden with names of individuals in memory or honor of will be dedicated at 209 W. Divine St. beside the General William C. Lee Airborne Museum.
■ Thursday — Gen. Lee Golf Tournament, Keith Hills, $60 per player, $240 per team, lunch provided. Sponsored by the Dunn Rotary Club. Lunch served at 11 a.m. with tee time at noon. Call (910) 890-2416 for registration.
■ Thursday — Gen. Lee Celebration Gospel Sing. Local group Butler, Hughes & Hayes will open at 7 p.m. for Brian Free & Assurance, who perform at 8 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, Dunn.
■Friday — 6 to 10 p.m. General Lee Evening Tour. Tour the home of Gen. William C. Lee and his wife, Dava, at 209 W. Divine St.
■ Friday — 8 p.m. to midnight. One Starry Night, Lawn Party at The Howard House, 402 S. Layton Ave., Dunn. Entertainment by the John Dupree Band. Sponsored by the Dunn Woman’s Clubs. Tickets are $50 per couple, $30 individually. Call (910) 892-3282 for more information.
■ Friday — Pig Cookoff Competition at Tart Park, Jackson Road, Dunn. Call (910) 892-3282 for information.
■ Saturday — 8 a.m. Veterans Reunion Breakfast, American Legion Building, Jonesboro Road, Dunn. Free to all veterans. Guest speaker Jean Quetier, mayor of Sainte-Mere-Eglise. Sponsored by the American Legion Post 59.
■ Saturday — 9 a.m. to noon registration. Harnett County Cruisers Car Show at the P.K. Vyas Center parking lot at Tart Park. Winners announced at 3 p.m.
■ Saturday — 10:30 a.m. Walk in the Park Parade With a Veteran, Tyler Park at 803 W. Harnett St. Decorate your bike, golf cart, wagon or pet in a patriotic fashion and stroll through the park in honor of those who serve and have served. Parade line up from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Awards presented after parade along with a tribute to our Veterans. Call (910) 892-4113 for information.
■ Saturday — 6 p.m. Evening in the Park. The final tribute to General William C. Lee will be held as performers take the stage and entertain the crowds. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with local favorites, The Band of Oz. There is no admittance charge and anticipation of a great night is kicked off with entrance of The Black Daggers Parachute Team. The highlight of the evening will be The Charlie Daniels Band concert beginning at 8 p.m. No coolers or outside food allowed. Bring a lawn chair. The night closes with a beautiful display of patriotic fireworks.
Winners of the General William C. Lee Essay Contest are, front, from left, second place middle school division, Hope Sharpe of Harnett Central Middle; first place high school division, Emily Nicole Moreland of Harnett Central High; first place middle school, Grayson Bradham of Dunn Middle; back row, third place middle school, Tilghman Pope of Dunn Middle School; third place winner high school, Soumya Varma of Harnett Central High; and second place high school, Kristen Bertolino of Harnett Central High.
Daily Record Photo/Keilah Goff
