The local Katuktu Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is holding its 2011 American History Essay Contest for fifth- through 12th-grade students in the Tustin Unified School District.

This year’s topics are “Young America Takes a Stand: The War of 1812” for grades 5-8 and “Christopher Columbus: In his own time, in history and today” for grades 9-12.

The essays will be judged on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, organization of material, originality, interest, spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness.

Top winners in each grade level will receive medals or prizes and certificates at an awards ceremony in February. All other participants will receive certificates of appreciation. In addition, one essay at each grade level will be selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to the state competition.

Deadline for the 33rd annual contest is Thursday, Dec. 1. Students in Tustin Unified schools must submit their essays to Mark Eliot, Director of Communications, at the District Administration Center, 300 South C St., Tustin.

Information has been distributed to all Tustin Unified schools. For more information, call the TUSD Communications Office at (714) 730-7339.