Local students win DAR scholarships
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James Normandeau of Ronan High School accepts a first place scholarship.
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News from the Kuilix Chapter of the DAR
ST. IGNATIUS – Kuilix Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, recently honored five area high school seniors who were selected by their schools as DAR Good Citizens. The award ceremony was held on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church in St. Ignatius.
First place and a $500 scholarship check was awarded to James Normandeau of Ronan High School; second place and a $250 check was awarded to Mesa McKee of Polson High School; and third place and a $150 check was awarded to Shyanne Reum of Charlo High School. Honorable mentions were given to Meranda Morman of Plains High School and Brad Lantz of Thompson Falls High School.
The scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors in the Mission Valley area. As the winner of the local contest, James’ essay has been entered into the Montana State Society DAR state-wide contest. Winners of the state contest will be announced at the state conference in April.
One DAR Good Citizen is selected by each school that wishes to participate, and the student must have the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The winner from each school can then choose to enter the scholarship contest, which consists of the student describing how he/she has tried to manifest the qualities of a good citizen. This part is submitted with a grade transcript and two letters of recommendation. The second part is a timed essay, which must be completed in a two-hour time limit and without assistance or reference materials.
This year’s essay topic title was, “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.” The focus question was, “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?”
DAR is a non-profit, non-partisan professional organization of chapters in all 50 states, its territories, and 13 other countries dedicated to historic preservation, education and patriotism for all women who love America and the principles of liberty and equal opportunity for all. DAR is especially known for education support and student scholarships, American history essay contests, and awards; welcoming new citizens at new citizenship ceremonies multiple times a year throughout Montana and across the country; services to veterans and active military worldwide; and preserving cemeteries, historical records, genealogy, buildings, and monuments. For more information about the DAR, please send an email to KuilixDAR@gmail.com or online at www.dar.org.
