Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR Recognizes Outstanding American History Scholars, DAR Good Citizens, and Presents Honorariums
At its 2016 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." Honorariums were also presented to the Social Science and Humanities Departments of the participating schools.
As juniors last May, up to fifteen 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 Science Department for high achievement in history.
Each winner was introduced by Twenty-first Star Chapter Historian, Nancy Canova. The American History Scholars were presented with a book, special medal and a 21st Star pin by Nancy Canova and Twenty-first Star Chapter Regent, Gail Enault. Students will also receive a monetary award at an honor ceremony to be held in the spring.
Maine East High School's winner is Jane Escarez. Jane has received honors in history, Spanish, science and fine arts. She is an active member of the Speech Club. Her after school activities include being a religious teacher and a member of the Niles Public Library Teen Group.
At Maine South the Peggy Ross American History Scholar is Gina Johnson. She has received social science honors in AP U.S. history and AP world history. She has also received Spanish honors for the last three years and in 2013 won the Spanish Exam Gold Award. Gina is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Spanish Club, Spanish National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. At Maine South she participates in cross country and track sports. She takes piano lessons and enjoys art. During the 2014-2015 school year she received an Outstanding Artist Award.
Maine West's winner is Haripriya Mehta. Haripriya received a perfect ACT score and has been on the high honor roll during all three years of her high school attendance. She is president of the National Honor Society, co-founder and president of the 3-D Innovations Club, vice president of the principal's Leadership Team and a columnist for the school newspaper, The Westerner. She has been involved with many boards in Des Plaines including the public library, teen advisory, and youth commission. Currently Haripriya is working on an independent social science research project.
The Niles North winner is Martin Wiviott. Martin received the Principal's Recognition Award and has been on the high honor roll. In addition, he received a score of 5 on the AP U.S. history, AP world history, and AP language and composition tests. He is considering a major in American history when he attends college. Martin is very active in the Niles North theater productions. He has logged over 1,500 hours of work in twenty shows. He volunteers with Good News Partners in Chicago.
Niles West's winner is Sebastian Sulewski. He has been on the honor rolls for the past three years, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. Sebastian is a National Advanced Placement Scholar with distinction. He participates in many clubs including Mock Trial, Chess Club, Psychology Bowl, and Chemistry Club. After school Sebastian plays soccer and is a member of the Soccer National Honor Society.
Five students from the Maine and Niles Townships High Schools received the NSDAR Good Citizen Award. To receive this award, the students needed to demonstrate leadership, service, dependability and patriotism. They also needed to be recognized by their teachers and members of the senior class for these accomplishments.
Each winner was introduced by Twenty-first Star Chapter Historian, Nancy Canova. The Good Citizens were presented with a pin and certificate by Nancy Canova and Twenty-first Star Chapter Regent, Gail Enault.
The Maine East High School winner is Dzenan Cejo. He is co-president of the Principal's Leadership Team and president of the Maine Historical Society. He belongs to the Model United Nations and is a member of the Debate Team. Dzenan helped Belmont Senior Living to raise money for Alzheimer's research. He is also a member of the Maine East High School varsity basketball team.
The Maine South High School winner is Sophie Miller. She has been a Student Council member for four years and is part of the Maine South Leadership Council. She helps fellow students as a math and science peer tutor. Sophie has received IHSA awards for basketball and soccer. She is a sportswriter, Blood Drive chairman, and a member of the Kind Campaign to stop bullying.
The Maine West High School winner is Haripriya Mehta. This outstanding young woman was also the Maine West High School winner for "Outstanding American History Scholar". She is the first student to win in both categories in the history of the Twenty-first Star Chapter. Haripriya uses her position as co-founder and president of the 3-D Innovations Club to print out prosthetics. Her involvement with the Library Board and Teen Advisory Board in Des Plaines also reflect her qualifications as a "Good Citizen".
The Niles North High School winner is Raina Chintz. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. Raina is the executive of the Dance Marathon and a leader in the WE Help Others Club. Raina, as a member of the Special Gifts Theater, helps young adults with disabilities. She has also volunteered to rebuild abandoned homes in Saint Louis.
The Niles West High School winner is Thea Gonzales. She is the recipient of an AP Scholar Award. She belongs to both the Thespian and Spanish Honor Societies. Thea is the Niles Choir Board President and a literacy tutor.
In addition to presenting awards to the students, the Twenty-first Star Chapter awarded honorariums to the Social Science and Humanities Departments of the participating schools to thank them for their continuing efforts in assisting students with the American History and Good Citizenship projects. The recipients were San Lida Cheng, Niles West Humanities Director; Scott Dahlberg, Niles North Assistant Humanities Director; Brendan Gaughan, Maine South Social Science Chairman; Susan Gahagan Mueller, Maine West Social Science Chairman and Carl Brownell, Maine East Social Science Chairman.
The Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR serves the Park Ridge, Niles, Des Plaines, and Morton Grove areas. 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 in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The NSDAR recognizes "Patriots: as not only soldiers, but 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 our meetings, please contact Dorothy Wilson at (847) 328-6946 for further details.