Seton High School freshman wins second in state essay contest

WALNUT GROVE — Josephine Abbott, a Seton High School freshman and Troop 5479 Eagle Scout, has won second place in the Washington State Society Sons of The American Revolution’s Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Essay competition.

Abbott penned an essay discussing the many contributions of Marquis de Lafayette during the American Revolution, documenting how his leadership and assistance from France enabled George Washington’s Continental Army to find victory in its struggle for freedom.

She is the daughter of Steve and Helene Abbott of Vancouver, and at age 14, she is one of the youngest girls to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Abbott received a $500 cash award and engraved certificate from SAR. She had earlier won first place for the Southwest Washington region, receiving a $100 cash award and a certificate presented by the Fort Vancouver SAR Chapter.

Each year, Eagle Scouts from across the nation are invited to compete in the essay contest. Each Eagle Scout completes an application, a four-generation ancestor chart and a 500-word patriotic themed essay. They enter the competition through their local SAR chapter

“I’ve always admired how someone from a different country could have the courage to join in the cause for freedom for our country at the very start,” Abbott said. “It reminded me that we are a nation made up of many different people who want the opportunity to enjoy freedom, and that the Marquis de Lafayette risked everything to do so.”