DAR/SAR honorees recognized during luncheon
Submitted photo
Pictured are the DAR and SAR honorees for Tuscola DAR Sidney Hoel, daughter of Drew and Christy Hoel, and SAR Jacob Craddock, son of Dan and Jeannie Craddock.
The Villa Grove United Methodist Church hosted the 63rd annual Stephen A. Douglas Chapter, DAR/SAR (National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution/Sons of the American Revolution) Good Citizens’ Luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018. There were approximately 45 in attendance including the awardees, parents, DAR members and guests. Front Street Market from Hume provided the meal.
Regent Karel Welch gave the welcome, and Carol Patterson gave the invocation. Charlotte Wax, Flag Chairman and past Regent led the Pledge to the American flag and Areta Joines, Treasurer and past Regent led the group in the American’s Creed.
American History Chairman Areta Joines gave a brief explanation about the DAR American History Essay program. Monetary awards were presented to seventh grader Thomas Rexroad from Atwood-Hammond. Another winner not in attendance due to a school contest was sixth grader Emma Bailliez from Atwood-Hammond.
Martha Burris, Good Citizens Chairman of the Stephen A. Douglas DAR Chapter, presented the DAR awards to four high school seniors: Camille Klopfleisch – Arcola, Abigail Duzan – ALAH, Sydney Hoel– Tuscola, and Madeline Shunk – Villa Grove. Kayla Thurston from Shiloh was unable to attend due to a regional scholastic bowl match. A brief description of the nomination and selection process was also given by Mrs. Burris.
Each of the DAR Good Citizens is given an opportunity to write an essay that makes the student eligible for a large monetary sum at the national DAR level. This year Sydney Hoel from Tuscola was the chapter’s essay winner. She was awarded a monetary gift from the Stephen A. Douglas Chapter and received an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Her essay has been forwarded to our district level for further judging.
William McLane of the Piankeshaw Chapter SAR, presented the SAR awards to the three high school seniors: Kolby Rickman – ALAH, Matthew Rideout – Shiloh, and Jacob Craddock– Tuscola. James Gulick from Villa Grove was unable to attend due to the regional scholastic bowl. Quinten Helmuth from Arcola was unable to attend due to out of state travel.
Program speaker was Walt Wright, retired Villa Grove Sixth Grade Teacher. He shared his passion to teach kids rather than textbooks. He encouraged students to love where they live, celebrate their country, take blame and own it, believe in what is important to you, give credit where due, and to keep your word.
Chaplain Carol Patterson gave the closing benediction.