By Ben Cox
Photos/Special to The Source
The Rev. James Caldwell chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) recently recognized outstanding citizenship and community service during award presentations at the Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion in Jacksonville.
On November 11, 2025, the chapter presented the DAR Good Citizen Award to 12 area high school seniors who exemplify dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Established in 1934, the award program honors one senior per accredited high school each year, selected by teachers and peers.
While U.S. citizenship is not required, honorees are invited to participate in an optional scholarship contest that includes a personal statement and essay, with scholarships awarded at the chapter, state, division and national levels.
The 2025 Good Citizen recipients were: Corbin Kuhn (Illinois School for the Deaf), Grant Fricke (Triopia High School), Grady Mueller (Bluffs High School), Claire Bonjean (Routt Catholic High School), Rilee Bennett (Meredosia-Chambersburg High School), Emalee Pool (Jacksonville High School), Savanna Ford (Westfair Christian Academy), Naomi Farris (Winchester High School), Kenna Vollmer (Waverly High School), Alaina Meado (Franklin High School), Sarah Shoemaker (Illinois School for the Visually Impaired) and Dario Santos Llanos (Beardstown High School).
In December 2025, the chapter also presented its 2025 Community Service Award to Kay Patterson of Beardstown. The award recognizes exceptional voluntary service in cultural, educational, patriotic and historical efforts. Patterson was honored for her long-standing contributions to the Cass County Historical & Genealogical Society and the Friends of the Rexroat Prairie in Virginia, benefiting both local organizations and the wider community. The award was presented during a chapter meeting at the Governor Duncan Mansion.
For more information about the NSDAR, visit dar.org.
