DAR recognizes 4 outstanding HS seniors

The Lt. George Farragut Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, recently honored four area high school seniors as DAR Good Citizens. The award recognizes students who exemplify the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. Students are selected by their teachers and peers. The first award was given in 1934 and now continues for the 86th year.

Each participating high school may select one senior for the award. This year’s winners are Kathryn Phillips, Timberlake High School; Taylor Braun, Wallace High School; Echo Anderson, Lake City High School; and Erika Gallus, Lakeland High School.

Award winners have the option of entering the optional DAR Good Citizens scholarship essay contest. All four winners elected to participate in the essay contest this year. Students are not given the topic ahead of time and must write the essay without reference materials in the presence of a faculty member. Erika Gallus was selected as the first place winner for Lt. George Farragut Chapter, making her the recipient of the chapter’s $200 scholarship award.

In her essay on “Our American Heritage and Responsibility for Preserving It,” Gallus states that “energizing youth to be the future leaders of America is critical to the success of our nation.” She adds, “The day citizens become uninformed and uninvolved is the day our nation will crumble. We must never allow this to happen.”

Gallus aspires to be a pilot in the United States military or to go into Special Operations after earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aeronautical engineering.

DAR Good Citizens Chairman Kathy Swanson sees the contest as “a wonderful way to recognize outstanding young people who exhibit good qualities in their homes, schools, and in their communities.” All public, parochial and private schools are encouraged to participate in the annual contest. Interested schools may contact the chapter at ltgeorgefarragut@gmail.com.