Staff Reports
Jefferson’s Martha McCraw DAR chapter named Carsyn Thomas as this year’s DAR Good Citizen.
The annual contest was created in 1934 and is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. It recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. The students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
Carsyn is an honors student at JISD and will graduate in June with both her high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Panola College. She is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Spanish Club, plays softball and golf, and is co-captain of the varsity cheerleaders. She attends to attend the University of North Texas in the fall to study communications.
“One of the many ways Carsyn exhibits the qualities of Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism is through her project “Refinishing Texas Historical Markers,” said Miriam Blair. “Through the process of refinishing the historical markers in Jefferson to make them appear new again, Carsyn is working to preserve the history of Jefferson and inspire others to celebrate the rich history of our community.”
Carsyn was presented with a pin, certificate, wallet card, a white graduation cord, and a check for $200.
Laura Omer also presented Carsyn with a certificate and start on a lineage of an American Patriot, one of the requirements for membership in the DAR.
“I hope to prove by documentation that Carsyn’s ancestor during the American Revolutionary War is Isaac Lansdale,” said Omer. “Her family offered the name of this patriot as one associated with her family.
“This patriot, Isaac Lansdale, enlisted as a Private soldier in the Continental Line from Delaware in 1778. He was taken prisoner at Gates defeat, went to the hospital, recovered and joined his regiment in South Carolina. He returned to Delaware in 1783 on furlough for 20 days and again for 3 months. He was finally dismissed in 1784. By May 1840 he was residing in Fayette County, Alabama where he applied for a pension which was granted. The Continental Line service was a bit like being active duty military as opposed to many whose service was through Colonial Militia which was more akin to National Guard where there many more soldiers who have periods of activation and returns to home before engagement in another conflict as needed.
Carsyn also applied for the national scholarship, which required writing a proctored essay. She learned of the topic once the timed contest began. Her essay follows.
Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It
“How will the essential actions of a good citizen (dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism) meet the challenges that America faces in this decade?”
In today’s world, there are countless issues that America faces. Many Americans turn against one another over contracting opinions, which has left our country divided. On account of this, the responsibility to stand up for unity falls to the citizens of America. One of the most important things that a citizen can do is uniting with the individuals within their community. Being truly united in a nation takes dedication and action in order to bring people together.
The actions of one citizen can make positive change nationwide. Service leadership is known as making a positive change in an area, while inspiring others to do the same without the intention of being recognized. Mother Teresa was a prime example of this when she said “The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow, do good anyway.” Service is especially. Important when preserving the history of a community. In many areas throughout Texas, historical markers can be found. Due to the everchanging weather in Texas, the historical markers become damaged and worn, which is why it is so important to preserve these markers. A project known as “Refinishing Texas Historical Markers” has inspired individuals from all over Texas to celebrate their history and protect it for generations to come.
Embracing the idea of community is a huge part of resolving conflict in America. Citizens of a community hold a sense of belonging and allow for citizens to be united. Communities are bonded by strong support systems, and are of the utmost importance when working toward a common goal. They allow people to come together to combat issues and provide a sense of trust and dependability among individuals. Having a supporting community inspires the people involved to do what is best for it and unites the individuals within.
Patriotism in America is key in solving some of the challenges that America faces. Celebrating the history of American and sharing it with others has had such a huge impact on this country. Patriotism is a concept that brings people together through common lifestyle. It makes America strong and unites individuals all over the country. Showing patriotism makes a difference by supporting the efforts of making America a better place, and has a common goal of creating positive change within the nation. Being appreciative of one’s country can even give others a similar feeling that will continue to pass on. America is such a diverse nation with many different individuals who appreciate the rights of life that are experienced in this country. Patriotism brings people together an unites the citizens of America through freedom.
America has experienced issues all throughout history, but good citizens can make a direct impact on the outcome of these hardships. A good citizen practices the important steps to unite their country with the intention of making America a positive environment for people across the nation. I believe President John F. Kennedy said it best when he addressed the nation “And so, my fellow Americans: Ask. Not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”