The Black Partridge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored six area high school seniors at their award program held February 10, 2020. Each of them received the Good Citizen Award. The students were chosen by their high school for their qualities of good character which the DAR emphasize as being dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. After they are chosen they fill out a cover page,send a copy of their grades, write about their high school activities, their service to their community, their future plans,their extracurricular activities, and how they fill the four qualities of a DAR good citizen. Then in a two-hour session they are to write no more than 550 words on this topic, "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?"
Back row: David Snook, Ethan Hoffman, Nathaniel Aikman
Front row: Mya Gramm, Karissa Barth, Blake Bratt
Each student counselor sends these papers along with two recommendations back to our DAR Chapter. The six students are judged by three judges that are non-DAR members. One winner from this group of six students' papers is forwarded to the District Good Citizen Chairman. Our chapter winner was Mya Gramm from El Paso/Gridley High School and is the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. George Gramm. She plans to major in political science and go on to law school. Her passion is to fight against the issue of modern-day slavery.
Other area Good Citizen winners were Ethan Hoffman from Roanoke-Benson High School and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Hoffman. He plans to major in manufacturing engineering at Bradley University. David Snook is from Metamora Township High School the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Snook. He plans to earn a degree in education at ICC and ISU. Nathaniel Aikman is from Eureka High School the son of Mr. Joe Aikman. He plans to earn a degree in radiation therapy. Karissa Barth is from Lowpoint-Washburn High School the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.Keith Barth. She has been accepted into Illinois State University's actuarial science program. Blake Bratt is from Fieldcrest High School the son Jessica Baldwin and Jeremy Bratt. He plans to pursue a career in Criminal Justice studying at Western Illinois University to become an FBI agent.
Each year our DAR Chapter can nominate two individuals for the Community Service Awards. Our state and national committees have to approve these individuals. This person cannot earn money for the service they provide for the community. This year Simon Langley and Sharon Gates received the awards.
Simon is a senior at Eureka High School. He cleaned up the old fencing, plants, and wood chips from the Lincoln marker between Washington and Metamora on the county line. For his Eagle Scout Award, he built a new fence and put in new wood chips. He also volunteers in the community with senior citizens, conducted a Flag Ceremony, and helps younger scouts at camp outs.
Sharon Gates, shown at the left, is from Washington and is the treasurer for Threads, Hope, and Love. Besides treasurer, she spends many hours sorting clothes and helping with the giveaways. She also volunteers many hours at her church helping with community projects.
The Black Partridge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution wish to thank the parents, counselors, teachers, and others for making this a very special day for our Good Citizens and Community Award winners.