At its February 8th, 2012 American History Luncheon, the Twenty First Star Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was pleased to honor students of Maine East, Maine South, Maine West, Niles North and Niles West High Schools as their “Outstanding American History Scholars” and “Good Citizens."
As juniors last May, up to fifteen students at each high school received a “Certificate of Award for Outstanding Work in American History”. From this group, each school announced the top student. The criteria used may differ slightly at each school, but includes:
• scholarship
• commitment to academic excellence
• a passion for history
• a love of learning
• positive attitude
• good character
Each winner was introduced by DAR Twenty First Star Chapter Historian Patricia Gould and presented with a special medal and gifts by DAR Twenty First Star Chapter Regent Joy Martin.
Maine East High School’s winner is George Jabbour. He is in the National Honor Society and was a Constitution contest winner. George is involved with the Math Team, is a Junior Leader in Physics Education, and Student Council Treasurer.
At Maine South Renee Kumon is this year’s Peggy Ross American History Scholar. Renee is in the National Honor Society and has won the National Council of Teachers of English Superior Writing competition and was a National Merit Scholar. She is in the Chamber Orchestra, Key Club, Pit Orchestra, and Italian Club and is a Hawk Pride Leader. Renee is also a member of the Maine South Constitution Team.
Maine West’s winner is Angela Remus. She was on the State Department Bureau of Education American Youth Leadership Program to Cambodia. She was the National Merit Commended Scholar and won the National Council of English Teachers Award in Writing. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Angela is Editor of the school’s newspaper.
Niles North’s winner is Robert Moss. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. He earned a Gold Medal Award for Regional and State Science Fairs and a Merit Award for Orchestra. Robert was Captain of the Soccer team and President for Relay for Life for American Cancer Society.
Niles West’s winner is Samantha Chao. She is a Top Honor Roll Student, and a National Merit Scholarship finalist. She has been awarded the AP Scholar Gold Medal Award, National Spanish Exam, and Literacy Center Leadership Award. She is a Literacy Center tutor.
Five students from the Maine and Niles Townships High Schools received the DAR Good Citizen Award. To receive this award, the students needed to demonstrate leadership, service, dependability and patriotism and be recognized by their teachers and members of the senior class for these accomplishments.
Each winner was introduced by DAR Twenty First Star Chapter Good Citizen Chair Patricia Gould and presented with a pin and gifts by DAR Twenty First Star Chapter Regent Joy Martin.
The Maine East High School winner is Angela Marie Wong. She has served as President and Vice President of her Class Council and President of the Tri-Music Honor Society. Angela has received High Honor Roll, and Academic Excellence Award in AP History Courses. She won the title of “World Champion” at the Karate Championships in 2011 representing the United States.
The Maine South High School winner is Patrick Wohl. He was elected Class President three times, Freshman, Sophomore and Senior years and VP Junior year. He has been a Hawk Pride Leader, Captain of Sketch Comedy Group and on the Constitution Team. In addition, he worked at Illinois State Senator Dan Kotowski’s office as an intern..
The Maine West High School winner is Margaret McCabe. She is Vice President of the Varsity Club, member of the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation, Captain of Varsity Soccer and on the Honor Roll. Maggie is particularly focused on athletics and on working with special needs children. She has coached for the Des Plaines Park District and has devoted time to the Special Olympics program, P.E leaders and special Ed basketball program.
The Niles North High School winner is Sumona Munshi She is a Dance Marathon Executive Board member, President of the Spanish National Honor Society, District 219 Foundation For Excellence Chair member, National Honor Society Executive member, and Who Club Leader. She does Point Tutoring at the literacy center and helps students and special education students through PALS.
The Niles West High School winner is Julia Rose Zasso. She is President of a Tribe called West Poetry Slam Team and Treasurer of the Theatre and Thespian Society. She won the AP Scholar Award, Junior Class Poet, Wellesley Book Award, Silver, Bronze and Red Honor Awards, DAR History Award and Silver Experiment Award at the Illinois State Science Fair.
Any woman age 18 and older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership in the DAR. Our Twenty First Star Chapter provides genealogy research assistance to apply for membership. Please contact Dorothy Wilson at (847)328-6946.