Each year, the Picayune Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognizes outstanding graduating seniors and teachers.
Saturday, at their regular meeting, three students and one U.S. History teacher were honored.
In a previous Item story, DAR member Margaret Anne Ulerich said the club was founded in 1890 by a group of women who wanted to preserve the history of the American Revolution and its events. The organization promotes restoration and preservation projects.
According to history.com, the American Revolution occurred from 1776 to 1781 and was fought between the occupants of Britain’s 13 North American colonies and the British crown.
Judy Seal is the regent for the Picayune Chapter of DAR and said the patriotic group encourages children to find their place.
“It’s important for young adults to learn where they came from and how they can be important and help their country,” Seal said.
Each year, a senior from each of the high schools in Pearl River County is chosen to receive the DAR’s Good Citizens award. The students are chosen by their teachers based on their ability to demonstrate qualities of leadership, dependability, service and patriotism.
Kristina Nicole Pertuit attends Poplarville High School and is the daughter of Sheryl and Danny. Her many accomplishments include earning a letter in slow and fast-pitch softball, and soccer. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. She served as president of First Priority for two-years and is secretary of the student council. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Poplarville and volunteers at Jacob’s Well, according to Pertuit’s resume.
“I was really shocked and excited when I heard the news,” Pertuit said. “It makes me feel like I’ve done something special.”
Pertuit plans to major in biological sciences.
Caleb Alan Hebert attends Pearl River Central High School and is the son of Richard and Dana. His many achievements include maintaining a 4.0 GPA and serving as a Mississippi House of Representatives page for Representative Mark Formby in 2013. He is student body president and is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and the National High School Rodeo Association Cinch Academic and Performance Team, to name a few. He performs community service, attends First Baptist Church of Picayune and from 2011 to 2014 was the spiritual leader for the football team, according to Hebert’s resume.
“I was honored to hear about my selection.” Hebert said. “It makes me feel like I’ve made a difference during my years in high school.”
Hebert plans to attend Mississippi State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in wildlife sciences and a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Sidney Albritton attends Picayune Memorial High School and is the son of Sidney Albritton and Holly Walters. Albritton’s achievements include maintaining a 4.0 GPA and attending the Mississippi Delegate to the United States Senate Youth program as well as the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security. He has won awards on the district and state level at the Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making event and at the FBLA district and state competition. He volunteers at the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library and is an active member of the Pine Grove Baptist Church youth group where he assists with fundraisers and participates in youth mission week. He is member of many school clubs including DECA, student council, Interact, National Honor Society and NJROTC, according to Albritton’s resume.
“It’s a very good feeling to realize that what I’ve accomplished has been recognized by my community,” Albritton said.
Albritton plans to attend the University of Mississippi to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public policy and political science.
The 2015 Outstanding Teacher of American History in Pearl River County was Poplarville Middle School’s eighth grade U.S. History teacher Jennifer Tynes.
Seal presented the certificate to Tynes on behalf of chairman Emily Lauritzen Saturday, who was unable to attend.
Tynes earned an Associate of Arts degree from PRCC, a bachelor’s of science from William Carey College and a master of English degree from William Carey University.
She has been teaching since 2002.
According to Seal, the DAR sponsored a contest to choose the teacher of the year and entries were received from multiple schools throughout the county.
Since 2003, Tynes has been the sponsor of the Student Council at Poplarville Middle School.
“I feel honored,” Tynes said. “Teachers work very hard and it feels good to be recognized.”
For more information about the Picayune chapter of the DAR contact Ulerich at 601-798-5087 or Julia Seal at 601-798-4758.
Learn more about DAR at www.dar.org.