Published October 23, 2007 08:34 pm -
Greensburg - Each year, the Decatur County chapter of Daughters of the
American Revolution (DAR) present good citizenship awards to high school
seniors.
None of the current members seem to remember the first year this ceremony took
place, however, with 100 years of chapter history it can be assumed the award
has had a long life, according to chapter registrar Jessie Bailey.
The three winners of the chapter awards, April Fruchtnicht, Mollye Leas and
Felicia McNealy, represent each of the three high school’s in the county. Each
school chooses its own winner, who receives a certificate and is entered into
the running for state competition.
“The counselors are in charge of it and have all the information, “ said Bailey.
“Citizenship plays a big part.”
Monday was the local award ceremony and In two or three weeks, finalists will be
chosen for the state. Although there are 90 DAR chapters in Indiana, only 13
good citizens will be entered into the statewide scholarship contest. In the
spring, on each school’s honor day, all three winners will receive $100. It is
also possible one of Decatur County’s good citizens will be chosen as the state
winner come spring.
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Greensburg Daily News
A North Decatur senior, Fruchtnicht was surprised
when her guidance counselor told her she was chosen as this year’s good citizen.
She stays busy with choir, band, drama, and track.
“Hanging out with friends is what weekends are for,” said Fruchtnicht.
She has not chosen a plan for college at this point, but has narrowed her
options down to Anderson University or Butler University. She will also be
choosing between a music business major and a major in communications.
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Greensburg Daily News
Leas is the good citizen from Greensburg. She is excited about her senior year
because it gives her the chance to be a leader among her peers. On her many
sports teams, she shows her leadership by encouraging her teammates and
respecting everyone. She has been involved with volleyball, track and the
Pirateers all four years of her high school career. For two years, she played
basketball and was on the swim team her junior year. The other benefit she sees
in being a senior is knowing most of the student body.
“I just love people,” she said.
She is hoping to attend St. Louis University to pursue a degree in physical
therapy.
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Greensburg Daily News
South Decatur’s McNealy feels very honored to be recognized as a DAR good
citizen.
“Senior year is great because you’ve almost attained your goal,” she said.
Still, she says finishing high school is bittersweet because she knows she will
miss her friends. McNealy has played flute since fifth grade and has been
involved with music, theater and dance throughout high school. She hopes to have
the opportunity to coach dance in the future and plans to attend IUPUC in the
fall to earn a license in elementary education. She loves spending time with
children and spent her summer baby-sitting.
These three busy ladies were awarded pins and certificates to honor their
dedication to citizenship, which includes dependability, service, scholarship
and patriotism, according to Barbara Welch, who was in charge of the good
citizenship awards this year.