Surprise honor for Barrington village president

Barrington Village President Karen Darch has received a surprise honor to coincide with Women's History Month in March.

Deb Edlund, regent for the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Signal Hill chapter in Barrington, read a proclamation for the month during last week's village board meeting, citing how women have contributed to politics and the military.

She then segued into announcing the organization's community service award for Darch in honor of Women's History Month.

"She sets the bar for civic leadership and for community service," Edlund said. "And her legacy as a community leader extends far beyond the boundaries of the village of Barrington."

Darch, who joined the village board in 1995 and became president in 2005, stepped down from the dais to receive the award from Edlund. She did not know the kudos were coming.

"I'm very honored," said Darch, adding that her sister, Kathleen, was recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution as a senior in high school.

Trustee Todd Sholeen was among the village board members who congratulated Darch on the award.

"Years ago, when my son was in about third or fourth grade, he was in a speech contest and as he walked into the room to be judged, he saw that Karen was one of the judges," Sholeen said. "And I told my wife, this was the third time he had seen her that week. So we always know in this community how much she gives to this community and it is greatly appreciated."

Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization with a focus on preserving American history. The group promotes patriotism and better education for children.

"As a community service organization, we regularly identify individuals and organizations worthy of recognition of their outstanding, voluntary achievements in a variety of fields," Edlund said.