photo: Ryan Welch essay winnerA visit to Glacier National Park was the inspiration for an award-winning essay by Ryan Welch, an 8th-grader at Vancouver Home Connection. Welch earned first place for 8th-grade at the local, state and Northwest Regional level of the 2017 American History essay contest, sponsored by Daughters of the American Revolution. Welch was recognized with certificates, medals and $150 for his accomplishment at the April 11 DAR Fort Vancouver Chapter luncheon.