Samuel Dale Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held their 22nd annual Awards Tea on Sunday, April 6, at the Meridian Activities Center. Regent Bunnie Tisdale welcomed approximately 70 guests to the program, while Robin McCarty opened with prayer, Marsha Hannah led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and Tiffanie Roberts led the salute to the Mississippi Flag.

 

Vice Regent and Scholarship Chairman Glenda Thomas presented awards to students from 16 schools in the Meridian and Lauderdale County area.

 

The following students were selected as the fifth grade outstanding youth citizenship winners for their schools: Kinsley Vincent, Northeast Middle School; Jamiyah Winston, Parkview Elementary; Graceley Thompson, Lamar Elementary; Ayane Taylor, Carver Elementary; James Levi Smith, Clarkdale Elementary; and Mary Etta Denise Barnes, Russell Christian Academy.

 

The following students were selected as the eighth grade outstanding youth citizenship winners: Jack Voss, Lamar Middle School; Forrest Robinson, Clarkdale High School; Walker Ray Odom, Russell Christian Academy; and Nora Peterson, West Lauderdale Middle School.

 

Each student was presented a certificate, a USA flag lapel pin, an American flag, Flag Code Booklet and bookmarks with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the Constitution. Students were chosen for this award based on the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.

 

Also recognized with the winners of the DAR Good Citizen Award. The award is presented to outstanding 12th grade students who exhibit dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.

 

This year’s DAR Good Citizens are Madeline Ann Bass from Lamar High School; Paisley Jaden Ivey, Clarkdale High School, and Jessica Thomas from Southeast Lauderdale High School.

 

“All three of these young ladies excel in academics, school and community activities, active in their churches, and will be graduating at the top of their class. They were also presented a certificate, a Good Citizen lapel pin, an American Flag, a USA flag pin, and a $50 scholarship,” Glenda Thomas said in a news release announcing the awards.

 

The Community Involvement award is presented to an individual who through volunteerism or through his/her work has enriched the lives of the citizens of our community. That honor went to Sabrina Williams, who serves as the Children and Family Ministries Director at Central United Methodist Church.

 

“Through her work at Central UMC, Sabrina saw a need for activities for young adults with special needs. With help from some of the moms, she developed a Sunday School class especially designed to fit their needs; she started a Vacation Bible School for these young adults; an Advent Fair and then the big event….The Tim Tebow Night to Shine program. All of these activities are open to the community, not just to the members of Central UMC. For the Night to Shine program, there were almost 100 guests along with their caregivers who took part. This required a lot of volunteers. Sabrina and her committee were able to enlist approximately 250 volunteers to help,” Thomas said.

 

Also honored was the Rev. Dr. Scott Wright, lead pastor of Central United Methodist Church, along with Central United Methodist Church itself for its part in these activities. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.

 

Samuel Dale Chapter members Linda Beard and Jacque Longmeier were recognized for their 20 year membership in DAR and Pat Sharp was recognized for 21 years. The Samuel Dale Chapter is part of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The motto of the DAR is “God, Home and Country” with a focus on historic preservation, education and patriotism.