Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR Recognizes Outstanding American History Scholars
At its 2020 American History Luncheon on February twelfth, 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 Social Studies Departments of the participating schools.
Up to fifteen juniors at each high school were selected last May 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 be selected by their respective departments for high achievement in history and demonstrate qualities of leadership, service, dependability, and patriotism.
Each winner was introduced by American History Chair, Carol Gale. The American History Scholars were presented with a certificate of award for Outstanding Work in American History, a special medal, and a 21st Star Flag pin. The students will also receive monetary awards at an honor ceremony to be held in the spring.
Maine East High School's winner is Divya Mani. Divya is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the High Honor Roll throughout high school. In addition, she is the Student Council President, on the Democracy Schools Leadership Team and a member of the Maine Historical Society. Her after-school activities include working on the school newspaper, Feminist Club, Poetry Club and being a member of the South Asian Student Association.
At Maine South, the Peggy Ross American History Scholar is Omar Farrag. Omar is a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar. He has earned high honors in European and U.S. History. Omar is the senior representative of the Superintendent Advisory Council, voted Outstanding Delegate for Model United Nations and is on the Constitution Team. His after-school activities include being on the Maine South Varsity Basketball Team, working on the school paper and coaching basketball in the summer.
Maine West's winner, Ryan Merlin, is a U.S. History Scholar and received an Advanced Placement Scholar Award with Distinction. Ryan participates in the Scholastic Bowl, Model United Nations and the Art Club. He contributes to his community by having an internship at Oak Elm Animal Hospital and volunteering at several nursing homes.
The Niles North winner is Mia Vuckovic. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. She received an Advanced Placement Scholar Award with Distinction, won the Student of the Year Award for AP world history, economics, U.S. History and the Wellesley Book Award. Mia is the captain of the Auroris Dance Company, plays in the Symphonic Orchestra and participates in the Appalachia Service Project.
Niles West's winner is Jennine Darwish. As a senior at Niles West, she belongs to the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. This active student is a P.E. Leader, a member of the Symphonic Orchestra and is a Literary Center tutor. Jennie participates in the school Dance Marathon and is on the Varsity Diving Team.
In addition to presenting awards to the students, the Twenty-first Star Chapter awarded honorariums to the Social Science and Social Studies 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 Sanlida Cheng, Niles West Director of Social Studies; Scott Dahlberg, Niles North Director of Social Studies; Jenne Dehmlow, Maine South Social Science Department Chairman; Susan Gahagan Mueller, Maine West Social Science Department Chairman, and Carl Brownell, Maine East Social Science Department 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.