Samantha Norwood shows off her selection paperwork after being chosen for the DAR program by Principal Eric Yarbrough and Ms. Joy Toms. Photo used with permission by Samantha Norwood. 

by Shayla Leach

Each year, the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter sponsors a scholarship for Alamance County seniors who show the values of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. This year, Southeast Alamance High School selected senior Samantha Norwood as its representative for this prestigious scholarship program.

The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Good Citizens Program is an honor awarded annually to one senior per high school. Each DAR Good Citizen receives a pin and certificate as well as the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. Samantha Norwood showed to the counselors and the administrators at Southeast the values needed to participate. Once selected, she had many reasons to choose to take part in the program.

Samantha said it was “pleasantly startling since I didn’t even know the DAR Good Citizens Program was a thing. I was pulled out of class by Mrs. [Joy] Toms and Mr. [Eric] Yarbrough, and they explained a little about what the program entailed as well as gave me some papers [to complete]. I felt honored that they chose me as their good citizen of the year!” 

The contest involves two recommendations, a list of personal qualities and a timed essay. "I just recently completed the timed essay, and I’d say that’s been the hardest part so far,” Norwood said.

Reflecting on the recognition’s impact, Samantha said, “This honor allows me to look better on college applications so I can get into the programs I wish to participate in. College and special programs all allow me to get closer to where I want to go in life.” She also offered advice for future honorees. “If you are chosen for this honor and choose to move forward with the scholarship contest, when doing the essay section, just breathe and allow the ideas to flow,” she said.

Norwood carries her personal values and the values of Southeast High School to the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Program.