TRI-COUNTY –– The Paisano Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution presented DAR Good Citizen Awards to seniors from six area high schools at an awards ceremony on April 6, 2024, held in the First Presbyterian Church of Alpine.
On behalf of the Paisano Chapter, Regent Kay Houston welcomed Good Citizens, their parents, and school representatives to the meeting. Vice Regent and Good Citizens Chair Judy Perry discussed the significance of the awards. Dr. Kendra DeHart, chapter member and associate professor of history at Sul Ross State University, presented the awards.
Good Citizens from their graduating classes were selected by their schools based on the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The 2024 Good Citizens are: Sierra Ruckman, Alpine; Hardeman Boutwell, Alpine Christian; Zachary Noll, Big Bend; Selene Baeza-Duarte, Fort Davis; Madeline West, Marathon; and Jack Marquez, Marfa. They each received a Good Citizen’s pin, monetary award and certificate honoring them with this prestigious national award.
Good Citizens were eligible to enter an optional NSDAR scholarship contest by submitting their credentials including an essay. Independent judges selected Sierra Ruckman as the winner of the Paisano Chapter Scholarship. During the program, Miss Ruckman read her essay: “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.”
Following the awards presentation DAR members and guests enjoyed a reception honoring the Good Citizens and their families.
Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, non-political, service organization focused on historic preservation, education and patriotism. In 2023 nearly one-half million dollars was awarded to students across the nation through the DAR Good Citizens program. For more information on NSDAR membership or the Good Citizens Award, you may contact Kay Houston at regentpaisano@gmail. com.