Fort Dale Academy senior Christen McKeague, the winner of the annual Fort Dale Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Christopher Columbus essay contest, has advanced to the national competition by winning the Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution contest and the Daughters of the American Revolution Southeastern Division contest, which included winners from Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennesse. The assigned subject of the essay was, “How did the faith and courage of Christopher Columbus give to mankind a new world?” McKeague recently attended an awards ceremony at the ASDAR State Conference in Auburn. McKeague’s essay is now being judged by the National Italian American Foundation. The winner will receive a cash award and a trip to Washington, D.C. in October to read the winning essay at the Christopher Columbus Celebration. Pictured are Lisa McKeague; Annabel Markle, DAR Fort Dale Chapter Regent; Christen McKeague; Anne Feathers, chairperson of the DAR American History Essay Contest; and Carole Teague, Fort Dale curriculum coordinator/guidance counselor.