Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR Recognizes Students

At its 2020 American History Luncheon on February twelfth, the Twenty-first Star Chapter of the NSDAR was pleased to honor students of Maine and Niles Townships High Schools as “Outstanding American History Scholars” and “DAR Good Citizens.” Honorariums were also presented to the Social Science and Social Studies Departments of the participating schools.

Up to fifteen juniors at each high school were selected last May for their outstanding work in American History. These students were selected by their respective departments for high achievement in history and demonstrate the qualities of leadership, service, dependability, and patriotism.

Each winner was introduced by American History Chair, Carol Gale. The American History Scholars were presented with a certificate of award for Outstanding Work in American History, a special medal, and a 21^st Star Flag pin. The students will also receive monetary awards at an honor ceremony to be held in the spring.

Maine East High School’s winner is Divya Mani. Divya is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the High Honor Roll throughout high school. In addition, she is the Student Council President, on the Democracy Schools Leadership Team and a member of the Maine Historical Society.

At Maine South, the Peggy Ross American History Scholar is Omar Farrag. Omar is a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar. He has earned high honors in European and U.S. History. Omar is the senior representative of the Superintendent Advisory Council, voted Outstanding Delegate for Model United Nations and is on the Constitution Team.

Maine West’s winner, Ryan Merlin, is a U.S. History Scholar and received an Advanced Placement Scholar Award with Distinction. Ryan participates in the Scholastic Bowl, Model United Nations and the Art Club.

The Niles North winner is Mia Vuckovic. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. She received an Advanced Placement Scholar Award with Distinction, won the Student of the Year Award for AP world history, economics, U.S. History and the Wellesley Book Award.

Niles West’s winner is Jennine Darwish. As a senior at Niles West, she belongs to the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. This active student is a P.E. Leader, a member of the Symphonic Orchestra and is a Literary Center tutor.

Five students from the Maine and Niles Townships High Schools received the DAR Good Citizen Award. To receive this award, each student needed to demonstrate leadership, service, dependability and patriotism.

Each winner was introduced by Twenty-first Star Chapter DAR Good Citizen Director, Heather Andrews. She presented the DAR Good Citizen winners with a pin, a special certificate of achievement and a recognition card.

The Maine East High School winner is Isabella Garcia. This academically talented student belongs to the National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Isabella is Co-President of the MECARES club which focuses on raising environmental awareness.

The Maine West High School winner is Malaika Syeda Zaidi. She is the president of the Pi Sigma Pi History Honor Society. This outstanding student is both the Editor-in-chief and the Features Editor for the school newspaper, The Westerner. She also serves as secretary on the Principal’s Leadership Team.

The Maine South High School winner is Greta Miller. Greta won District 207’s Best Award for academic excellence and the Academic Athletic Honor Award. Her strong athletic ability is demonstrated by playing on the Girls Varsity Volleyball and Basketball Teams.

The Niles North High School winner is Louis Isaac Siegel. He is the President of the Thespian Board and the principal clarinetist in his band. Louis recently worked as an intern on the successful campaign for Sean Casten, who was running for Congress in 2018.

The Niles West High School winner is Irena Petryk. Irena belongs to both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She is involved in many school activities, including being the principal cellist in both the symphonic and the pit orchestra.

In addition to presenting awards to the students, the Twenty-first Star Chapter awarded honorariums to the Social Science and Social Studies Departments of the participating schools to thank them for their continuing efforts in assisting students with the American History and Good Citizenship projects.

The Twenty-first Star Chapter NSDAR serves the Park Ridge, Niles, Des Plaines, and Morton Grove areas. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal decent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The NSDAR recognizes, "Patriots: as not only soldiers, but anyone who contributed to the cause of American freedom." If interested in learning more about the Daughters of the American Revolution or attending one of our meetings, please contact Dorothy Wilson at (847) 328-6946 for further details.