Local Students Recognized
On March 22, two local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) celebrated the 2025-2026 Good Citizen Awards Ceremony. Good Citizen chairs Barbara Quinn of the Irondequoit Chapter (in the Corn Hill neighborhood of Rochester) and Jaime Murray of the Caleb Hopkins Chapter (in Pittsford) joined together to honor eight local high school seniors chosen by their school administrators to receive the DAR Good Citizen Award.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello was the keynote speaker, and he inspired attendees with stories of a few young people who made a positive impact in their communities. Then each student was individually recognized. All winners received certificates, a bag of gifts, and a 3’ x 5’ American flag. The flags presented to the winners were originally flown at the annual Mercy Bridges 9/11 Field of Honor event, which pays tribute to first responders, military personnel, etc.
The students were given the opportunity to write an essay tied to our country’s 250th birthday this year. They were asked to “Describe how the characteristics of a good citizen help to renew and strengthen the democracy achieved by the patriots of the American Revolution.”
The winner of the Irondequoit Chapter’s essay contest was Hailey Jean Wardell (Our Lady of Mercy High School), and she received a $150 gift. The Caleb Hopkins winner was Naomi Rosario (Hilton High School), and she received a $200 gift.
The event was held at the Hervey Ely Mansion, which has been owned by the Irondequoit Chapter since 1920. Through the Good Citizen Award Program, these chapters are fulfilling one of the DAR’s primary missions: promoting education.
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