Kelly Wins Good Citizen Scholarship

In a ceremony at the Meadowlark Country Club in Great Falls on February 14, Carson Kelly was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Black Eagle-Assiniboine Chapter Scholarship. By way of celebration, the DAR board held a banquet with refreshments and a short presentation.

During that presentation, all scholarship applicants acquired an award for being their school's good citizen selectee. Given his status as Chinook's winner, Kelly received a silver dollar and a check for $250.00. Although his essay went on to state-level competition, it did not win there.

Created in 1934, the DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. As part of the contest process, Kelly was granted a two-hour time period in which to write an essay on the topic of our nation's 250th birthday which will be celebrated on July 4, 2026. In that spirit, the prompt invited Kelly to "describe how the characteristics of a good citizen help to renew and strengthen the democracy achieved by the patriots of the American Revolution."

In his 392-word response, Kelly wrote: "To ensure the continuation of this democracy, it is essential that every citizen exemplify dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. These good characteristics help renew and strengthen said democracy. . . . As American citizens, it is imperative that we rely on each other, creating a breeding ground of dependability, strengthening our democratic resolve."

Titled "Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It," Kelly read his essay during Saturday's presentation in Great Falls. His inspirational piece concluded with this directive: "Take pride in America. America isn't perfect, but that's what makes our democracy essential. If anything is detrimental to our country, the good citizens have the authority to correct it. Take pride in America-our ideals, hopes, and especially in our past and present soldiers who fight to protect our country. Those patriots built an everlasting fire fueled by the liberty and pleasure of American citizens. To kindle the flame, thank your veterans, celebrate America's independence, and, most importantly, show the qualities of a good citizen."

Chinook's School Counselor Fay Friede initially nominated Kelly for the award, so as soon as he submitted his application, he became Chinook High School's DAR Good Citizen. "He, and past Good Citizens, then had the option to submit a timed essay for the scholarship portion," Friede stated.

Friede went on to explain that the essay topic comes to her in a sealed envelope, which she then opens in front of the applicant, reads through the directions, and sets a timer for two hours. "There can be no notes used, and it is a monitored writing period, so no resources can be accessed. Carson won that scholarship, competing against other schools' Good Citizens," Friede confirmed.

According to DAR personnel, this award recognizes high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. "These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree."

In 1931, DAR regent, Hazel Roberts Love organized the Assinniboine Chapter in Havre, Montana. That chapter was named for Fort Assinniboine. In 1991, due to declining membership, the Assinniboine Chapter requested to merge with the Black Eagle Chapter, and together, the two became the Black Eagle - Assinniboine Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).

Each year, with the intention of "shaping brighter futures," the NSDAR awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education. In the fall of 2026, Kelly plans to attend Montana State University–Northern to earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design with a minor in business and hopes to secure a position with a graphic design firm.