Founders Student Wins National DAR Competition
Posted on 05/29/2026
Founders Academy Student Wins National-Level DAR Competition
Brooke LaPlante, a 5th-grader from The Founders Academy Public Charter School in Manchester, NH, was named the American History Video Contest Winner during the New Hampshire Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awards. The DAR contest is an annual competition open to students in grades 5–12.
The DAR contest involves interpreting a specific prompt and producing a 3-5 minute video. Student submissions needed to include a formal, written bibliography documenting high-quality primary and secondary historical sources to prove the accuracy of their narrative. This year’s prompt was: “America will celebrate her 250th birthday on July 4, 2026! If you could go back in time and meet one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for lunch, who would you choose? How did their actions and service contribute to our Country becoming independent?”
Brooke chose to create a video about Rhode Island signer Stephen Hopkins, whose dedication to signing in the face of poor health was an inspiration to her.
“Each year, we encourage our students to participate in this contest as it aligns so closely with our mission. I was so proud of Brooke for taking on this challenge and ultimately creating the top video in the Nation,” said Cassie Hayes, Dean of School.”
LaPlante’s submission to her local DAR chapter in Manchester, NH, included local judges reviewing all regional submissions based on historical accuracy, creativity, clarity, and technical production value. After winning the local chapter, LaPlante’s video was sent to state-level judges, where she was ultimately chosen as the top New Hampshire student winner for state awards. LaPlante went on to win the New England regional level and finally, the National level. At each level, she received more recognition and monetary winnings.
The Founders Academy is a public charter school for students in grades 5 through 12 that is free and open to all New Hampshire students. The Academy develops leaders who understand and apply the lessons of the past, demonstrate exceptional character and lead by example. The Academy recognizes the importance of balance in the development of the whole person, and respects each student's journey.
Principled leadership is fostered by means of a curriculum of classical studies that includes analyzing the lives of great men and women of history, mining the rich classical ideals of the Western tradition, and tracing the evolution of the precious and costly idea of liberty.
The Founders Academy is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. To learn more about The Founders Academy or to apply for admission, visit www.thefoundersacademy.org.