The Lady Knox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently honored DAR Good Citizens of the year from area high schools. Each high school is invited to choose a Good Citizen from their senior student body.

Three area high schools participated this year. Hannah Noyes was chosen from Vinalhaven High School and Nick Greer from Camden Hills Regional High School. They were recognized at a chapter meeting and each received a DAR Good Citizen pin and certificate. Emylee Leary, a senior at Region 8/Mid-coast School of Technology was selected as the Lady Knox Chapter winner of the DAR Good Citizens. She received a check from the Chapter, as well as her pin and certificate. 

Leary is a Certified Nursing Assistant student at Region 8/MCST and is active in Skills USA (a student leadership organization) and is currently the Maine Skills USA state treasurer participating in state and national organizational activities. She attended the national Leadership and Skills Conference last June in Louisville Kentucky and attended many workshops. At her home school of Medomak Valley High School, Leary also participates in PAWS (Peers Assisting With Sincerity) which is a program of upperclassmen mentoring underclassmen to be successful in school. Her commitment to others and her strong leadership skills made her an excellent choice for a "Good Citizen."

The DAR Good Citizens program recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess good citizenship qualities of:

• Dependability — which includes truthfulness, loyalty and punctuality

• Service — which includes cooperation, courtesy and consideration of others

• Leadership — which includes personality, self-control and the ability to assume responsibility

• Patriotism — which includes interest in family, school, community and nation, to an outstanding degree

Each award is given on a merit basis, including completion of a questionnaire, an essay, scholastic record and two letters of recommendation. Each of the area high schools is encouraged to participate.  One student per year may be honored as the school's DAR Good Citizen.

DAR was founded in 1890 by four women whose common bond was the fact that each had fathers or grandfathers who were patriots of the American Revolution. The founders sought to create an organization that would "perpetuate the memory and spirit of the women and men who achieved American independence."

DAR welcomes any woman 18 years of age or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. A "patriot" is defined as one who provided service or direct assistance in achieving American's independence. DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America's future through better education for children.

Questions regarding the DAR Good Citizen program or membership in DAR may be directed to Regent Suzanne Shaub or Registrar Helen Shaw. You may email LadyKnoxDAR@gmail.com or call 207-358-0042 and leave a message.