By Carrie Lewis McGaha
Mine Creek – Paraclifta Chapter DAR
Members and guests of the Mine Creek – Paraclifta Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met last week to honor six graduating seniors from area school districts.
Each student was presented with a DAR Good Citizen certificate and pin, gift bag, and a Chapter Scholarship in the amount of $100 by Elizabeth Wilson Overton, Chapter Regent. The students brought family members and guests to a reception in Overton’s home where chapter members were able to visit with them over refreshments and celebrate their achievements.
Students were reminded that 250 years ago, young people just like them sacrificed everything in order to achieve the freedoms and liberties that we all inherited from our founding fathers.
The DAR Good Citizens Award is a way to recognize outstanding young people who exhibit the qualities of good citizenship in their homes, schools, and communities. Students are selected by teachers at each school district based on individual contributions to the school, personal character and achievement.
Each DAR Good Citizen Award winner is given the opportunity to participate in a Scholarship Contest intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship in the students. The program is open to all high school seniors enrolled in public or private schools accredited and in good standing with their state board of education. Students are not required to be United States citizens.
Three students submitted an essay this year.
Gracie K. Wolcott of De Queen High School, daughter of Brent Wolcott, was the DAR Good Citizen Essay Chapter Award winner and was presented with a Certificate of Award and an additional $25 for her essay.
Ma’Hongani Nicole Trotter of Mineral Springs High School, granddaughter of Patricia A. Jones, and Jocee Andon Holt of Murfreesboro High School, daughter of Lacy Wilmack, also submitted an essay and were awarded a Certificate of Award for their participation.
The other graduates presented with the DAR Good Citizen Award and Chapter Scholarship were Konnor D. Bailey of Horatio High School, son of Renea Bailey, and Samuel Brady Ernest of Dierks High School, son of Paul and Jennifer Ernest. Nashville High School student, Blakely Reich, son of Sherry Reich, was not present but will be given his award later.
