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DAR recognizes history scholars, good citizens

At its American History Luncheon, the Twenty-First Star Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was pleased to honor students of Maine East, Maine South, Maine West, Niles North and Niles West High Schools as their "Outstanding American History Scholars" and "DAR Good Citizens."

As juniors last May, up to 15 students at each high school were selected for their outstanding work in American History. From this group, each school announced the top student. To receive the American History Scholar Award, these students needed to demonstrate: Leadership, Service, Dependability, Patriotism and be selected by the Social Studies department for high achievement in history. Each winner was introduced by DAR Twenty-first Star Chapter historian Nancy Meyer and presented with a special medal and gifts by DAR Twenty-first Star Chapter Regent Sheila Aszling.

Maine East High School's winner is Terrin Jose. Terrin is a member of the National Honor Society, Maine Historical Society, and DECA. An honor roll student for three years, he was recognized at the Social Science Honors night for global studies accelerated, advanced placement United States history and advanced placement economics. Terrin has participated in the Scholastic Bowl and is a member of "Demon‑ocracy," a politics club. After school he is a history tutor.

At Maine South, Nicole Hassman is this year's Peggy Ross American History Scholar. She has been "Student of the Month" in biology, physics, geometry, and advanced math analysis. Nicole has received a science award in chemistry, has had honors in French II, III and IV, and "World History after 1500," and in United States history. Nicole is a member of National Honor Society, Hawk Pride, French Club, Thespians, and is the lieutenant governor of Key Club. In her spare time, she is a member of the Constitution Team and is vice president and choreographer for the Orchesis Dance Company.

Maine West's winner is Atra Oshana. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Pi Sigma Pi, Spanish Honor Society, and is on the high honor roll. Atra is the yearbook editor-in-chief, vice-president of the Principal's Leadership Team and was on Class Council for two years. She is on the Teen Advisory Board of the Des Plaines Public Library and on the Youth Advisory Board of the Des Plaines Youth Commission. In her spare time, she's a COACH tutor. Niles North's winner is National Merit semifinalist, Nathan Selinger. He is a member of the National Honor Society, International Thespian Society, National Spanish Honor Society and does IMPACT mentoring. Nathan has received Bronze and Silver Honor Keys, a National Spanish Exam Gold Award, and an Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Award. After school, Nathan is very active in the school theater department, elected to the executive board his junior and senior years. He has earned over 1,400 hours on theater productions and performed at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival. The past two summers he has been a lighting and sound technician at Devonshire Playhouse.

Niles West's winner is Sarah Chamness. Sarah has received the Prairie State Achievement Award, the Advanced Placement Scholar Award, the Wellesley Book Award and the Silver Honor Award. She is a National Merit commended scholar, is a member of the Science Olympiad, is on the band board and is a member of the Tolkien Society. Sarah is also a PE leader and a Literacy Center tutor. She is a member of the marching band and Pop N' Rock, a Niles West's pep band. In her spare time she volunteers weekly at Skokie Hospital.

Five students from the Maine and Niles Townships High Schools received the DAR Good Citizen Award. To receive this award, the students needed to demonstrate leadership, service, dependability and patriotism and be recognized by their teachers and members of the senior class for these accomplishments.

Each winner was introduced by DAR Twenty-first Star Chapter Good Citizens director Pat Gould and presented with a pin and gifts by DAR Twenty-first Star Chapter Regent Sheila Aszling.

The Maine East High School winner is Alexandra Plezia. Alexandra holds leadership positions in the school as senior varsity and distance varsity captain's for track and field and student director of ensemble and scheduling for the theater department. She is an officer in the National Honor Society. As a member of the school's Gifted Lyceum Program she has helped raise over $1,000 for the Pediatric Unit at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

The Maine South High School winner is Megan Considine. She has held leadership positions in the Senior Leadership Program and the CCC Preschool Program. Megan enjoys helping special needs children on the cheerleading team and her community service project is ALS. When she was elected homecoming queen she selected a special needs student to escort her down to the assembly in front of the entire student body.

The Maine West High School winner is Anna Holubecki. Anna has played varsity tennis for four years and has served as co-captain her junior and senior year. She is concertmaster of the symphonic orchestra and participated in Warrior Stings and the jazz band as a pianist. Anna is in the Tri-M Music Honor Society and served as the historian and then president her senior year. She has earned a number of excellence awards in Spanish, math, biology and history. She has served as a tutor and teacher's assistant in AP European history and has organized events through the Des Plaines Youth Commission.

The Niles North High School winner is Maggi Kreisheh. She was executive of the dance marathon for two years, WHO Club leader for three consecutive years, student government vice president, and co-editor in chief of the North Star Online Newspaper. She has served as president of the International Club for three years and as president of the Spanish National Society. She plays tennis as is captain of the junior varsity team. Maggi has been awarded the AP scholar with distinction, Bausch & Lomb Outstanding Junior Science Student and first place in poetry contest in Chicago area Association of Spanish teachers. She volunteers as a tutor for those learning English as a second language and has raised money for Ugandan street children to enable them to go to school.

The Niles West High School winner is Jessie Amgalanjargal. Jessie has been active in the student class cabinet, servings a vice president her sophomore year, helping plan and recruit students to volunteer for the Special Olympics. As junior class president she planned the first eco-friendly prom and as the current student government president she is trying to add a program for special education students to be able to play musical instruments. During the weekends Jessie helps judge and coach debate tournaments and is organizing a new school for young children to learn about the Mongolian culture and language.

Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal decent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership. The DAR recognizes "Patriots: as not only soldiers but also anyone who contributed to the cause of American freedom." If interested in learning more about the Daughters of the American Revolution or attending one of the meetings, contact Dorothy Wilson at (847) 328-6946 for further details.

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Twenty-first Star Chapter DAR presented American History Scholars Awards to students of Maine East, Maine South, Maine West, Niles North and Niles West high schools. Pictured are: Historian Nancy Meyer; Nathan Selinger, Niles North; Terrin Jose, Maine East; Nicole Hassman, Maine South; Atra Oshana, Maine West; Sarah Chamness, Niles West; and Regent Sheila Aszling. Courtesy of Twenty-first Star Chapter DAR
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