DAR honors Good Citizen winners
The Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution honored two of their four DAR Good Citizens, Tyler McJunkins of Magnet Cove High School and Jackson Ratcliff of Hot Springs World Class High School, on March 9.
Both young men were elected by their schools for the honor.
“The criteria for being a DAR Good Citizen are exhibited through their outstanding leadership, trustworthiness, responsibility, dependability, patriotism, and service at school as well as in the community. It was a privilege to present them with a DAR Good Citizens lapel pin, a certificate, an ID card, and a monetary gift for their success,” a news release said.
Each DAR Good Citizen had to complete part one of the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship application. This portion of the application contained their beliefs in good character and examples of how they exhibit those qualities daily. The application also contained their high school transcripts, as well as two letters of recommendation.
“Their high school principals and teachers gave them both glowing acknowledgments of how hardworking and goal-driven they are, as well as their good moral character,” the release said.
Both young men chose to write an impromptu optional essay in the part two portion of the application. They had two hours and could not use any resource materials during their authorship. The focus question was not known by them until the moment they sat down to create an essay not
to exceed 550 words.
This year, the topic was “Our American heritage and our responsibility for preserving it: What new challenges will America face as we move forward into the future?” Each essay showed their opinions, beliefs, and historical support of them. Three judges, who were not DAR members, graded both parts of the applications. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and accurate historical relevance of the topic question counted 30 points. The part one portion was graded on their achievements and beliefs with the highest score of 70 points.
“They did not have to write the essay to be a DAR Good Citizen. The essay gave them a chance of winning an entry into the state competition level and hopefully continue on into the national level,” the release said.
“The Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution wish them success in their future goals. Tyler loves helping others and wishes to become a nurse. Jackson loves learning about ancient civilizations and wants to pursue a degree in cultural anthropology,” the release said.