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DAR honors seniors for good citizenship

Pictured, from left, are Chapter Vice Regent Melinda Holt; Kenly Brand, West Henderson High School; Hannah Lackey, Henderson County Early College; Carson Waller, North Henderson High School; and Cricket Crigler, North Carolina State Regent. Not pictured is Campbell Hodge, Hendersonville High School, who was unable to attend.

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 5, 2026

Four high school seniors were recognized for their citizenship by the Joseph McDowell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on Feb. 13 Champion Hills Clubhouse.

The winners were Campbell Hodge of Hendersonville High School, Hannah Lackey of Henderson County Early College, Carson Waller of North Henderson High School and Kenly Brand of West Henderson High School.

These students were selected as Good Citizens by the faculty members of their high schools, and they all chose to participate in the essay contest.

The students wrote essays in response to this prompt: “Our nation will celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America on July 4, 2026. Describe how the characteristics of a good citizen help to renew and strengthen the democracy achieved by the Patriots of the American Revolution.”

The students also participated in extracurricular activities at their schools, contributed to the community, demonstrated preparation for college and exemplified the qualities that make a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. All four received $200, a pin and a certificate. The Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Essay contest was created in 1934 by a resolution of the DAR Continental Congress. To date, more than 6,000 students have participated.

Hodge has been involved with the National History Day Competition, competes in Mock Trial, takes part in Shakespeare productions, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Keywanette Club. She  plans to attend college to become a speech therapist or an attorney. In her essay, she wrote “Democracy does not renew itself; it requires informed and engaged citizens who work towards a common goal.”

Lackey is a member Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association and Young Scientists Team. She volunteered at the Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Hendersonville and at Pardee Hospital. She plans to earn undergraduate and advanced degrees in nursing to become a nurse practitioner. “To lead successfully, one should be considerate and open-minded to a variety of perspectives,” she wrote. “Uplifting and engaging with the community is essential to effective leadership.”

Waller is a member of the Air Force JROTC and the Drill Team where he has served as Corps Commander. He won the Air Commando Association Award, the Military Officer Association of America Award and the Cadet of the Year Award. He will be attending the Citadel Military College of South Carolina and then plans to serve his country as an Army infantry officer and an Army Ranger. “When people in America are involved and want to better the youth and the future of America, that’s when we succeed,” he said in his essay.

Brand, a member of the West Henderson Orchestra, enjoys performing in musical theater productions each year. She is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Honor Society. She plans to attend college to earn a degree in music therapy. “When people are inspired, can take accountability for their own errors, and make decisions well, the foundational democracy the founding fathers set up is being renewed and protected,” she wrote.