Edwards Named DAR Good Citizen

 

February 23, 2022

On February 12, the Black Eagle-Assinniboine Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) presented Good Citizenship Awards to several North Central Montana high school students at a luncheon ceremony held at Meadowlark Country Club in Great Falls. Liam Edwards, a senior at Chinook High School, was among those awarded.

Based on the degree to which they meet the DAR's core criteria, the winners are chosen by their respective schools. They are rated on the dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism they display in their homes, schools, and communities. A DAR spokesperson more explicitly defined those qualities required of a DAR Good Citizen: "Dependability implies truthfulness, loyalty, and punctuality; service includes cooperation, courtesy, and consideration of others; leadership takes into consideration the candidate's personality, self-control, and ability to assume responsibility; and patriotism reflects unselfish interest in family, school, community and nation."

Edwards was nominated by School Counsellor, Fay Friede. He received a pin, certificate, and card honoring him for his citizenship. In his application materials, Edwards explained how his efforts to serve his community have made a difference: "When I do community service in my small hometown, I see the results unfold before me as soon as I am done working. For example, my local museum runs a banquet every year to cover their expenses and stay open. When I help with that, I help preserve a landmark in my own town. It's a landmark that not only helps define but breathes life into my community. Helping my community be the best for themselves is also important to me. That is why as Student Body President, my main goal from the start has been to offer as many events for members of my community and students to participate in as possible. I believe that by offering these events, I keep people involved and less likely to engage in behaviors that are unhealthy and unsafe."

Created in 1934, the DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest intends to encourage and reward such qualities of good citizenship. Once a student is chosen as the DAR Good Citizen, that individual is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. The application process consists of a personal statement and an essay.

In his personal statement, Edwards describes the value of the four qualities of a DAR Good Citizen. "A world without dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism is an undesirable world. Every community needs these qualities in its citizens to truly promote American values. American values of democracy, liberty, and diversity cannot be obtained without strong leaders that [possess] the qualities of a DAR Good Citizen. I try to exhibit the quality of dependability by helping out my classmates when they do not understand their classwork, exhibiting punctuality, and always lending a hand to people in my community in need. I try to exhibit the quality of service by volunteering my help for everything I see and doing things for people even when I don't get the credit for it. I try to exhibit the quality of leadership through my ability to make decisions for people who are lost, inspiring my fellow student council members to try new things, and trying my best to lead by example. Finally, I don't 'try' to exhibit the quality of patriotism; I have patriotism for my country that knows no bounds. Ever since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, hardworking Americans have been fighting for our freedoms and rights. It is their sacrifice that has given me and the other 300 million Americans in this country the American dream, and it is our responsibility to honor them in the most patriotic way."

In 1931, regent, Hazel Roberts Love, organized the Assinniboine Chapter in Havre, Montana, naming it for the historical Fort Assinniboine. In 1991, due to declining membership, the Assinniboine Chapter requested to merge with the Black Eagle Chapter. Together, the two chapters became the Black Eagle- Assinniboine Chapter of the National Society of DAR. Daughters are vibrant, active women who are passionate about community service, preserving history, educating children, and honoring and supporting those who serve our nation.

About her son's award, Tammy Edwards expressed pride, saying: "He has never been afraid to break the mold and march to his own drum. He's witty, creative, and a natural leader who cares deeply for others."

 
 

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