School news
Seniors receive Good Citizen awards from DAR
Five Bartholomew County seniors were awarded the Good Citizen Award by the Daughters of the American Revolution Joseph Hart chapter.
The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 and is open to all women regardless of race, religion or ethnic background who are of proven lineal descent from a patriot of the Revolutionary War. Current society members across the nation promote education, patriotism, and historic preservation.
One senior from each of Bartholomew County’s five high schools — Columbus North, Columbus East, Columbus Signature Academy-New Tech, Hauser and Columbus Christian — was selected by their school administrators as someone who embodies the values of DAR, including dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.
Seniors Evan Patterson of Columbus Christian School, Olivia Linnemann of Columbus East High School, Grace Wang of Columbus North High School, Noah White of Columbus Signature Academy New Tech, and Melanie Taylor of Hauser Jr./Sr. High School were recognized at the DAR Good Citizen ceremony on Nov. 21.
All five students received a certificate, a DAR Good Citizen pin and an honorarium check. Each students was also given an opportunity to become a chapter representative, receiving an additional honorarium and competing at the DAR state level for a chance to receive an additional scholarship and perhaps advance to the national level.
To qualify to be considered the local Joseph Hart chapter representative, the student was asked to write an essay in a monitored environment with no outside resources and under a time limit. The topic was in a sealed envelope handed to them.
This year’s essay topic was, “Our American Heritage and Responsibility for Preserving It. You and your peers are our nation’s leaders of tomorrow. How would you energize America’s youth to fully engage as effective citizens? Why is that important?”
To be named chapter representative, the essay is considered in addition to the student’s profile, demonstrated achievements in their school and community and their letters of recommendation.
Taylor was selected to serve as the Joseph Hart chapter representative and compete at the state level.
