Jonathan Hardin DAR Chapter met in Mexia at Gibbs Memorial Library on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and welcomed three new members, Amber LaCount, Jo Nell Reason, and Beth Pryor. We are honored to begin 2026 with three new members.
Member Heidi Elliott gave a presentation commemorating the recent 70th Anniversary of Rosa Park’s Refusal to Give Up Her Seat on an Alabama Bus, which is an honored DAR Commemorative Event for 2025-2028.
We were excited to recognize five local winners of the annual DAR American History Essay Contest for students in Grade 5 thru Grade 8, as well as one Grade 9 thru Grade 12 winner of the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest.
Grades 5 thru Grade 8 focused on Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Medals and cash prizes were awarded to students in each grade level. Grade 5 – Faithlynn Martin, Fairfield Intermediate School; Grade 6 – Emalyn Goodrich, Vine & Compass Homeschool, Kosse; Grade 7 – Co-Winners, Kailyn Goodrich and Jackson Goodrich, Vine & Compass Homeschool, Kosse; and Virtue Davis, Grade 8 – Teague Jr. High School. These students chose to write about John Adams, Benjamin Harrison, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Hancock.
Students in Grade 9 thru Grade 12 focused their writing on Patriots of the American Revolution. Freshman Emily Carroll, Coolidge High School, chose female patriot Deborah Sampson for her essay. Emily also received a certificate and medal, as well as a cash prize.
Thank you to the family members and school personnel that joined us at the meeting! Good job, students!
(At Top) WINNERS OF THE AMERICAN HISTORY ESSAY for the Jonathan Hardin DAR Chapter are (Left to Right) Emalyn, Jackson, and Kailyn Goodrich, Vine & Compass Homeschool, Kosse; Virtue Davis, Teague Jr. High School; Emily Carroll, Coolidge High School; and Faithlynn Martin, Fairfield Intermediate School. (Submitted Photo)
