NSDAR lauds local students and Medal of Honor recipient
The North Shore Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Lake Forest, held its youth awards ceremony in February at CROYA (Committee Representing Our Young Adults) in Lake Forest.
This year's ceremony was augmented by a recognition ceremony for Medal of Honor winner Allen J. Lynch, who received the DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal.
There were four American History Essay Contest winners. The topic for this year's essays was "World War I: Remembering the War to End All Wars."
The student winners were Elissa Meneely, Cole Emmett Harrison and John Vojcanin at School of St. Mary; and Abigail Albrecht at Holy Cross School. Meneely took first place, and her essay advanced to the DAR District level of competition. Each student read his or her essay and each writer was recognized with a certificate and pin.
"This year we had an incredible pool of contestants - 61 entries from two area schools," said Sally Stephenson, chair of the American History Committee.
"Our thanks to schools and students for this wonderful showcase of eighth-grade talent. History provides valuable information and perspectives, which can be especially useful in a rapidly changing world. Clearly, through exploration and learning, these young students will carry the story on to future generations.
"The essays presented today show a developed aptitude for critical thinking, writing and historical research skills. While history is often a story of who we were, it also provides a basis for understanding the issues that we face today and navigating the future in a more equitable way. For this group of students, the future is bright."
Five high school seniors were honored as DAR Good Citizens.
"Created in 1934, the DAR Good Citizens Award is a nationally sponsored program to honor very special high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding qualities of a good citizen," chair of DAR Good Citizens Committee Monique Muldrow said.
"It is our privilege to honor Hannah Bari Brown from Deerfield High School, Kaisha B. Johnson from North Chicago Community High School, Genevieve Kerns from Woodlands Academy, Grace Scheidler from Lake Forest High School and Angela Zhou from Lake Forest Academy.
"These admirable students were selected based on the qualities of dependability (truthfulness, honesty, punctuality, etc.); service (cooperation, helpfulness, responsibility, etc.); leadership (personality, self-control, initiative, etc.); and patriotism (unselfish loyalty to American ideals). Congratulations, ladies, on becoming the 2018 Good Citizens Award winner for your schools and community."
In closing, Muldrow offered the words of Gordon B. Hinckley: "Every good citizen adds to the strength of our nation."
The award ceremony culminated with the presentation of the DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal to Allen J. Lynch for a lifetime of valiant and honorable service to his country. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for going above and beyond the call of duty, risking his own life to save the lives of his wounded comrades.
He was recognized for his selfless heroism during the Vietnam War, coupled with his subsequent commitment to service, advocacy and generosity to veterans since his discharge.
"Our chapter is honored to make this award to Mr. Lynch," National Defense Committee Chair Jo Ann Avellone said. "We are grateful for his service to the armed forces and to our country. Our chapter's award also recognizes his inspiring civilian life that continues with such dignity and grace. It is humbling to know he is still committed to supporting our active military, veterans and their immediate families in overcoming the visible and invisible wounds of military service."
North Shore Chapter, NSDAR was established in 1893 and has initiated projects supporting historic preservation, education and patriotism. Currently, the chapter membership includes 131 members from northern Illinois communities spanning from Lake Forest/Lake Bluff to Highland Park, and from Northbrook to Lincolnshire.
An interest in genealogy and community volunteerism is a common thread among members. For more information, visit www.dar.org.