The April meeting of the Jonathan Hardin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was called to order by Regent Aleece McBay, who welcomed all members and guests.
In addition to a great program, outstanding students in the Limestone/Freestone area were recognized. Ann Gokey presented an interesting history about Fort Sill in Oklahoma, the last active army fort that was opened in the 1860’s to protect settlers in the western U.S.
Regent Aleece McBay presented the DAR Good Citizens awards for 2018. The DAR Good Citizens program is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all high school seniors enrolled in public or private schools accredited by their state board of education.
The student selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the following qualities: Dependability (truthfulness, honesty, punctuality); Service (cooperation, helpfulness, responsibility); Leadership (personality, self-control, initiative,); Patriotism (unselfish loyalty to American ideals).
The three winners of the Good Citizenship Award were: 1st Place – Jaci Forrest (Groesbeck High School, $100), 2nd Place – Brittani Oglesbee (Fairfield High School, Fairfield, $50), 3rd Place – Kayla Kimball (Teague High School, Teague, $25). Each recipient also received certificates in addition to the money prize.
DAR Treasurer Nancy McSwane presented the 2018 Jonathan Hardin Scholarship ($500) to Isabella Gentry Renfro, who is graduating from Mexia High School. Seniors in Limestone and Freestone County who will be attending an accredited 2-year, 4 year, or vocational/trade school in the United States may apply for the Jonathan Hardin Scholarship. The applicant is to be committed to using their education to better their life and that of their family and/or community.
Miss Renfro read her impressive resume which is filled with accomplishments and activities. She is currently second in her class at Mexia High School and plans to attend Texas A&M working toward a B.S. Nursing degree, followed by additional training as a Nurse Anesthesiologist.
Following the awards presentation, Judy Taylor presented a very interesting program on her life in the United States Navy, both as an active duty WAVE for seven years plus 50 years as a civilian employee of the USN. She spoke of her decision to be in the Navy when she was 13 years of age, when visiting an uncle and his wife in Norfolk, VA.
She had to convince her parents that she was serious in order to get their permission to enlist before she turned 21. Judy entertained with her life as a woman in a man’s military in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, which was very different from the opportunities afforded women in today’s military.
She encouraged the young girls present to seek every opportunity and blaze new trails where needed in their chosen careers. Judy, herself, was able to break some glass ceilings and has travelled the world with her husband (a Naval officer), serving in exotic locations (such as Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean) and all continents except Antarctic. We are all grateful to Judy for her service to our country while on active duty and as a civilian worker supporting the U S Navy.
The May meeting will feature the installation of the Executive Board for 2018-2020. Any woman 18 years and older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible for membership.
For information about joining the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR, please contact Regent Aleece McBay at 254-729-5177 or Registrar Billie Bournias at 903-389-3592.
