# DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship, presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution, is a prestigious program recognizing high school seniors who exhibit outstanding leadership, dependability, service, and patriotism. This unique opportunity allows students to be celebrated for their positive contributions to their schools and communities while also competing for scholarship awards. Participants are evaluated on their character, achievements, and dedication to civic responsibility, embodying the values of good citizenship. ## Program Structure The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship operates in a hybrid format, combining both in-person and remote components. The program begins with a nomination process conducted at the school level, where one student from each participating high school is selected as the DAR Good Citizen. These nominees are then invited to participate in the optional scholarship contest, which requires writing an original essay on a topic related to civic engagement and patriotism. The timeline for the program varies by region, as local DAR chapters oversee the nomination and submission process. The scholarship essay is completed under timed conditions, with specific instructions provided by the local chapter. Winners may advance to state and national levels, where additional recognition and scholarship awards are available. ## What Students Experience Students participating in the DAR Good Citizens program gain recognition for their leadership skills and commitment to serving others. The program provides an opportunity for self-reflection as students articulate their thoughts on citizenship and patriotism through the essay component. Participants may also engage with local DAR chapters, which often provide mentorship and networking opportunities. For those advancing to higher levels of the scholarship contest, the program offers a chance to further showcase their abilities and be recognized on a broader scale, encouraging personal growth and confidence in their leadership potential. ## Why It Matters for College Applications The DAR Good Citizens Award is a significant accomplishment that strengthens college applications by highlighting key traits such as leadership, civic engagement, and academic excellence. It demonstrates a student’s dedication to making a positive impact in their community, a quality highly valued by colleges and universities. The optional scholarship contest further showcases a student’s ability to think critically and communicate effectively through writing. Recognition at the local, state, or national level can distinguish applicants in a competitive admissions process. ## Eligibility The program is open to high school seniors (12th grade) in the United States who have demonstrated dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their schools and communities. Each high school may nominate one student to represent their school as their DAR Good Citizen. Students interested in participating should consult their school counselor or principal to learn about the nomination process. ## How to Participate To participate, students must first be nominated by their high school. Once nominated, students will receive instructions from their local DAR chapter on how to proceed with the program and, if desired, the scholarship contest. The essay component must be completed under supervision, with specific guidelines provided by the chapter. Deadlines and specific dates vary, so students should work closely with their school and local DAR representatives to ensure timely participation. For more information about the DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship, visit the official Daughters of the American Revolution website or contact your local DAR chapter.