Kalel Attonito, a Hindley School fifth grade student, won First Place in the local essay contest sponsored by Darien’s Good Wife’s River Chapter, Inc. Daughters of the American Revolution.But that was only the beginning.
— an announcement from the Good Wife’s River Chapter of the DAR
Kalel went on to win the Connecticut DAR statewide contest for fifth graders. In early April, Kalel was announced as the winner of the NE Division Fifth Grade Essay Contest by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Contributed photo
Kalel, the son of Mekhala and James Attonito of Darien, will read his award-winning essay and receive his Award Certificate at the CTDAR Board of Management meeting to be held on June 8, 2024,
The NE Division is comprised of fifth grade students from Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
For his essay Kalel was asked to imagine he was a reporter for The Philadelphia Times on May 14, 1897. On this date John Philip Sousa debuted his new march, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
The Times editor tasked Kalel with writing an article about the new song, including the overall performance and the public’s reactions. The song became the National March of the United States on Dec. 11, 1987.
Kalel, the son of Mekhala and James Attonito of Darien, will read his award-winning essay and receive his Award Certificate at the CTDAR Board of Management meeting to be held on June 8, 2024, at Matthies Hall in Windsor. Matthies Hall is part of the historic Oliver Ellsworth Homestead owned by the CTDAR.
CTDAR officers, Good Wife’s River Chapter Regent Karen K. Polett, Chapter members and Kalel’s family are expected to attend, along with Sandi MacPherson, the Good Wife’s River Chapter Essay Contest chairman.