Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR Annual High School Awards Ceremony
At its 2019 American History Luncheon on Feb. 13, 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."
To receive the American History Scholar Award, students needed to be selected by the Social Science Department for high achievement in history and demonstrate the qualities of leadership, service, dependability, and patriotism. Honorariums were also presented to the Social Science and Humanities Departments of the participating schools.
Each winner was introduced by Twenty-first Star Chapter Regent, Carol Gale. Each American History Scholar was presented with a certificate of award for Outstanding Work in American History, a special medal, and a 21st Star pin. The students will also receive monetary awards at an honor ceremony to be held in the spring.
Maine East High School's winner, Abigail Joy Flood, won both the Outstanding American History Scholar Award and the NSDAR Good Citizenship Award. Abigail is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. In addition, she belongs to the Gifted Lyceum, Fashion Club and East Linns, an organization to help transfer students.
At Maine South, the Peggy Ross American History Scholar is Lucy Campbell. Lucy is president of the National Honor Society and received the National Spanish Exam Gold Award. She also has high honors in accelerated Chinese, world history, biology, chemistry, and physics. This amazing scholar attained a perfect score on her SAT exam.
Maine West's winner, Pavani Jairam, is the president of the National Honor Society as well as president of the Science National Honor Society. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar and belongs to the National English Honor Society.
The Niles North winner is Maryarita Kobotis. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the co-president of the Spanish Honor Society. She was a National Merit semifinalist and is currently on the Purple Honor Roll at Niles North. Maryarita was also an election judge in the 2018 primary and general election.
Niles West's winner is Yungan Mo. As a senior at Niles West, she belongs to the National Honor Society and is currently on the Red Honor Roll. This active student participates in many clubs and organizations.
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. Each winner was introduced by Twenty-first Star Chapter DAR Good Citizen Director, Heather Andrews. She presented the winners with a pin, a special certificate of achievement and a recognition card.
The Maine West High School winner is Steven Abbinante. Steven is an athletic young man with a strong willingness to serve the children in his community. He currently plays the center mid field position on the Maine West Soccer team. He volunteers his time as a soccer coach for the Junior Warriors Soccer Club for the Des Plaines Park District.
The Maine South High School winner is George Dalianis. He is the president and founder of Junior State of America at Maine South. This club is a national, non-partisan debate organization. George is a member of the Constitution Team and the captain of the soccer team.
The Niles North High School winner is Christine Fleming. She is a member of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Spanish Honor Society and the Communications Committee Co-chair. Christine serves on the finance committee for the annual Niles North Dance Marathon.
The Niles West High School winner is Hana Frisch. Hana is active in many school activities. She is the principal bassist in the symphonic orchestra and the scholastic bowl captain. In addition to her high school activities, she volunteers as a Science Olympiad coach at Park View School.
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 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.