Local DAR hosts Good Citizen reception to recognize local youth
Published 9:07 am Thursday, December 20, 2018
CASSOPOLIS — The Captain Samuel Felt Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Cass District Library on Monday, Dec. 10, to recognize the Outstanding Good Citizens from seven area high schools.
In 1934, the Daughters of the American Revolution established the DAR Good Citizens Committee to acknowledge outstanding high school seniors for their dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.
Chapter Regent Elizabeth Hertel, opened the meeting with the ritual. She turned the program over to Sharon Kantz, chair of the DAR Good Citizens Committee. Kantz gave a brief explanation of the award and the impressive process each student must go through to reach this point.
Those selected for the honor include:
• Andrew Pachay, senior, of Marcellus High School is their current Student Council president, a National Honor Society member and is currently working towards his associate’s degree with plans to receive a four-year degree from Michigan State University in soil agronomy.
• Jacob Southworthy, senior, at Decatur High School is a Student Council class representative and the current National Honor Society’s Secretary. He plans to attend Spring Arbor University in the fall to pursue a degree in physical therapy or engineering.
• Chloe Bartz, senior, from Edwardsburg High School is Student Council vice president and treasurer of the National Honor Society. She is the current valedictorian of her graduating class. She expects to attend either the University of Michigan or Loyola of Chicago with a double major in biology/chemistry and English with the result of a career in patent law.
• Juliana Stanger, senior, at Dowagiac Union High School is currently the Student Senate president and the National Honor Society’s Vice President. Her future plans include a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance with a career in performing.
• Emily Burge, senior, from Brandywine High School is the senior class representative for the Student Senate and the current president of the National Honor Society. She intends on going to Michigan State University to major in psychology and pursue it further to become a psychologist working in the mental health field.
• Chayla Gould, senior, of Cassopolis Ross Beatty High School is the Student Senate president and a member of the National Honor Society. She plans on attending the University of Michigan to achieve a degree in architecture with the goal of a career in architecture and design.
Unable to attend was Camila Mancera, senior, at Lawrence High School. She is a member of the Student Council and the National Technical Honor Society. She plans on attending college to major in international business.
The seniors who were recognized also give to their communities in many volunteer positions both social and church. They are all actively involved in numerous sports programs.
After each school winner gave a short information presentation, a pinning ceremony took place. A parent placed the DAR Good Citizen Award pin on their distinguished senior. Along with the pin, each student received a National Certificate.
The Marcellus Jazz Band serenaded all assembled with highlights from their upcoming Winter Concert. Refreshments were served to conclude the festivities.