The Samuel Hammond Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, held the annual recognition tea February 9, 2017, at the Mary Ricks Thornton Cultural Center.
Following the DAR ritual, conducted by Dorothy B. Harmon, chapter regent, and Mary M. Wamble, chaplain, honored guests and their families were welcomed. Recognized were the DAR Outstanding History Teacher, the DAR Good Citizen, Junior American Citizenship winners and the American History Essay winners and participants
The outstanding American History Teacher, Glenn Stevens, was presented a certificate of recognition and a flag pen by Sarah L. Cheek, chapter vice regent, on behalf of Anne H. Porter, chapter historian. Stevens, a graduate of Kosciusko High School, teaches history at the Kosciusko Junior High School. In the 2015-2016 school term, he was named as a Star Teacher at the Junior High. Letters of recommendation acknowledged his dedication to the students and a great desire that all students should be given the opportunity to learn. Noted was his diligence to include each student in the educational process. His principal recognized his caring and loving relationship with students.
The Good Citizen winner, recognized by Carol H. Fiedler, was Halea Wood, daughter of Jenny and Jim Wood, and a senior at Ethel High School. Her selection was based on qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Halea’s essay topic was “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibilities to Preserve It.” She received a certificate of recognition, a DAR Good Citizen pen and a check from the Samuel Hammond Chapter. Halea also received an invitation to attend a reception on Feb. 17 honoring the DAR Good Citizens at the MSSDAR Conference at the Jackson Hilton.
Youth Citizenship Awards were presented by Pauline S. Brunt, Youth Citizenship Chairman. This award is based upon the characteristics of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.
Their selection was based on the recommendation of the respective counselors. From Ethel Junior High School winners were McKenna Graham, daughter of Jennifer and Lynn Graham and Chase Langford, son of Nancy and Jeff Langford. From Kosciusko Junior High School winners were Brighton Hutchinson, daughter of Pacey and Joel Regan and Tom Hutchinson Jr. and Carter Jones, son of Jessica and Jonathan Jones. They were presented certificates and DAR pins. The mothers participated in the pinning.
Mary Lou Faurot, American History Chairman, recognized Andrew McMillon, son of Jennifer and Anthony McMillon, and a student at Presbyterian Day School. His outstanding American History Essay focused on Yellowstone National Park in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service. He was presented a Certificate of Recognition and a DAR medal. He was also presented a check from the chapter. Also recognized for their participation were Lanie Greene, daughter of Eric Greene, and Marla Ray McKnight, daughter of Melanie and Bryan McKnight. They were presented certificates of participation. All are students at Presbyterian Day School. Their teacher Kristen Moore and administrator Terry Cox were recognized also.
The March 9 meeting will be held at Seasonings for lunch. Terri Cournoyer of Louisville will present a program on “Mourning Jewelry.”
