Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR Recognizes Outstanding American History Scholars, DAR Good Citizens, and Presents Honorariums

At its 2017 American History Luncheon on February eighth 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 special medal and a 21st Star pin by 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 Niha Shamsi. Niha has received honors in many of her classes, including her AP classes in language, economics, U. S. history and European history. She is a member of National Honor Society, South Asian Club and Spanish Honor Society. As a participant in the gifted program, Lyceum, she frequently volunteers at a homeless shelter in downtown Chicago called, "Safe Haven."

At Maine South the Peggy Ross American History Scholar is Kamila Kazimiesczuk. She is very active in her school and community. Kamila has received the IHSA award for Cross Country and Honors in International Relations and Psychology. She is a member of National Honor Society and the co-founder and co-president of a political and current events club. She is a member of Mental Health American North Shore which encourages healthy behavior and promotes education about mental illness for teens.

Maine West's winner is Dana Meskan. She has been on the High Honor Roll every semester. Some of her school activities involve membership in National Honor Society, Speech Team, Drama Club, and National Forensics League. At school Dana participates in varsity water polo, marching band and theatre productions.

The Niles North winner is Zach Harris. He was the outstanding student of the year in AP Economics and received the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Award for Outstanding Achievement. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Hebrew Honor Society. In sports, he participates in cross country and indoor track and field.

Niles West's winner is Philip Rapoport. He is the treasurer of the National Honor Society and a Literacy Center Tutor Leader. As a non-heritage Chinese speaker, he won a Silver Medal for a speech in Chinese from the Midwestern Chinese Teacher Association. He is an Illinois High School Scholar Athlete for cross country and wrestling and also participates in track and field. In 2016, Philip served as a Cook County election judge for the general election.

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 DAR Good Citizen Director, Penny Kerndt. The Good Citizens were presented with a pin and certificate by Twenty-first Star Chapter Regent, Gail Enault.

The Maine East High School winner is Tattiana Cabrales. She received an IHSA award for getting into the National Honors Society. As a member of the Bake for Change Club she helped sell baked goods to raise money for people with Down's Syndrome. Tattiana volunteers at parent teacher conferences and helps with baptisms at her church. She received a prize for submitting her artwork to the Best Bookmark Contest for the Main Library. She hopes to continue helping people by becoming a surgeon.

The Maine South High School winner is Kathryn Boyce. She received Scholastic Achievement Awards for foreign language, social science, biology, Spanish and English. She was captain of the tennis team her senior year and a member of the Constitution Team in 2016. At Maine South she played the saxophone in the band. Kathryn has instructed elementary aged children at her church and led them in faith based music by playing the guitar. She is an avid baker, photographer and musician.

The Maine West High School winner is Anna Remus. She was the October 2016 recipient of District 207's Best for Maine West in the area of academic achievement. She excels at difficult courses, including AP literate, AP Spanish, and AP U.S. Government, maintaining the highest grade point possible of 4.9375. Anna is involved in the Principal's Leadership Team, Ballet Expressions, Spanish National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Student Council and the Westerner Newspaper. She is involved with St. Baldrick's, a foundation dedicated to raising funds for cancer research. During her sophomore year she shaved her head to raise awareness and donations for this foundation. In Junior Leaders, Anna completed twelve service assists when only five projects were required. She has earned the respect and praise of her teachers and community members.

The Niles North High School winner is Shani Friedman. She has worked as an intern for congresswoman, Jan Schakowsky. At Niles North Shani participated in the Feminist Club and went on school trips to disenfranchised communities. She has also been on the Dance Marathon executive committee. She is highly motivated to ensure that social justice is for all people. Through the Illinois Safe School Alliance she used Niles North as a laboratory for social change. She has challenged the norms within the Niles North Community by trying to change the present policies for transgender students.

The Niles West High School winner is Jacqueline Yovng Baik. She is a member of the Niles West track team and plays the flute in the Niles West band. She has donated many volunteer hours at the YMCA, library and local hospitals. She supports charitable projects both in and out of school. Jacqueline is able to maintain a high grade point average in addition to her large amount of volunteer work. She is an outstanding student and a generous person.

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 John Przekota, Niles West Assistant 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.