The Picayune Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution honored local students during their American History meeting.

On Saturday, at the Crosby Library, the DAR recognized both the winners of their local Essay Contest, and the DAR good citizens, 2008.

DAR selected one winner for each grade of the combined middle schools, grades five through eight, for their essays on the subject “I Spy – Espionage During the American Revolution.” The four first place local winners were selected out of a total of 193 entries.

Parents, families, teachers and principles were invited to attend and listen to the winning essays being read by the authors. Virginia Mitchell, the American History Chapter Chairman, presented the certificates and medals to the winners during the meeting.

The fifth grade winner was Jaden Hendrix, daughter of Barbara and Clu Hendrix, of Nicholson Elementary. Her teacher is Mrs. Jarrell.

The sixth grade winner was Savannah Creel, daughter of Margie and John Creel, of Pearl River Central Middle School. The seventh grade winner was Emily Fleming, daughter of Mary and James Fleming, of Pearl River Central Middle School. The eighth grade winner was Layton Spiers, son of Tara and Raymond Spiers, of Pearl River Central Junior High School. The teacher of all three of these students, Cathy Roy, was in attendance, along with their principal Nilene Quave.

Layton Spiers is also one of the State winners who will join the DAR in Jackson this Saturday at the Hilton for the DAR State Conference.

The Picayune Chapter DAR also awarded the Good Citizens for 2008. One senior class student was chosen from each of the three local high schools. Students were chosen by faculty members at their respective schools. Students had to exemplify dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to be considered for the award. Presenting the awards at the meeting was Brenda Robinson, Good Citizen Chairman.

The Picayune Memorial High School Good Citizen recipient was Sara Marie (Simmie) Travis, daughter of Greg and Ramona Travis. Travis has maintained a 4.0 G.P.A. from the seventh grade to the present. She is the Picayune Junior Miss 2008 titleholder, Who’s Who among American High School students, 10th – 12th grade class president, and a volunteer for Special Olympics and Picayune Convalescent Home. She spends time mentoring students at West Side Elementary School – 12th grade and works as a part time waitress for a catering company. She is also involved in a number of other extra curricular activities and volunteer programs. This is just a small list of some of Travis’s accomplishments.

The Pearl River Central High School Good Citizen recipient was Casey Chantel Strain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Strain. Strain is the vice president of the National Honor Society, vice president of Beta Club, sings in the school choir, plays the piano and sings at her church, and on the campus security council at school. In the past she worked after school at Kids Kingdom, and cleaned three houses in her spare time. She is currently enrolled at a night course at Pearl River Community College pursuing an education degree and plans to continue at William Carey University. She has an overall G.P.A. of 4.0.

The Poplarville High School Good Citizen recipient was Savannah Brook Smith, daughter of Shane and Sue Smith. Smith is a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, a member of the Girls Missionary Auxiliary, National Jr. Miss GMA 2002-2003, and has been a member of the high school tennis team, softball team, and soccer team. In 2006 she served as a page to Governor Haley Barbour. She was a member of the drama club and was 12th grade Ms. Poplarville High School. She volunteered for Special Olympics, Brother’s Keeper, and Hurricane Katrina. She maintains a 4.0 G.P.A.

The Picayune Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution look forward to the American History meeting every year when they can honor these outstanding students and their parents.