The Esther McCrory Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Amarillo, Texas, has recognized 14 local high school students as DAR Good Citizens.
DAR Good Citizens Awards are presented to encourage and honor good behavior. The first prize was granted in 1934 and is now in its 90th year, both nationally and locally. This award acknowledges and promotes high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding citizenship skills such as dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These kids are chosen because they exhibit these characteristics to an exceptional degree, and they are designated DAR Good Citizens. Each Good Citizen is given a certificate, a pin, a poster describing the importance of the pin, a little American flag, a copy of the US Flag Code handbook, and a red, white, and blue honor cord to wear with their graduation cap and gown.

The newly recognized Good Citizens may enter the scholarship program by submitting a personal statement on their high school activities and accomplishments, community participation and interest, and a timed essay, all of which are assessed by a team of non-DAR judges. The essay’s title was “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It” and the main question was: “What are the civic responsibilities of a good citizen and why are these duties, activities and behaviors important to the shaping of the America you hope to experience?” The Esther McCrory Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution presented three Good Citizens scholarships. Catherine Cockrell, a Good Citizen at San Jacinto Christian Academy, won first place and received a $300 prize. Gregory Parker, a Good Citizen at Ascension Academy, got the second-place scholarship worth $225. Annabelle McCormick, a Good Citizen at Highland Park High School, got a $200 third-place scholarship.

2024 DAR Good Citizens
- Ascension Academy: Gregory Joseph Parker, 2nd place scholarship, $225
- Boys Ranch High School: Kaden Zane Norris
- Bushland High School: Ty Keith Morris
- Canyon High School: James Duncan Culbert
- Caprock High School: Adrian Michael Morales
- Claude High School: Hunter Reed Lovell
- Highland Park High School: Annabelle Riata McCormick, 3rd place scholarship, $200
- Holy Cross Catholic Academy: Rachel Lynn Lane
- Palo Duro High School: Habibo Ibrahim Abdi
- Randall High School: Molly Margaret Riesenberg
- San Jacinto Christian Academy: Catherine Grace Cockrell, 1st place scholarship, $300
- Tascosa High School: David Roderick Green
- Vega High School: Lynlee Hope Spinhirne
- West Plains High School: Natalie Lynn Watson
The DAR, formed in 1890 and based in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to encouraging patriotism, preserving American history, and guaranteeing America’s future via improved children’s education. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of color, religion, or ethnic background, who can demonstrate lineal heritage from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership.
For more information on becoming a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, contact Chapter Regent Schoen at 806-383-3998 or email aschoen@suddenlink.net.