From: Melissa M. Smith [Smith209BH@verizon.net]
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 3:50 PM
To: Smith, Melissa
Subject: Arlington DAR Good Citizen

 

Arlington School District

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Date:  December 11, 2008

Contact:  Melissa Smith, Community Relations

802.375.2589, ext. 147 ~ smithme@bvsu.org (w)

802.375.6070 ~ smith209bh@verizon.net (h)

 

 

Gunther is DAR Good Citizen

 

Arlington, Vt.,--John Gunther, a senior at Arlington Memorial High School (AMHS), has been named the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Bennington Chapter Good Citizen for 2008.

DAR Good Citizen awards are given to outstanding high school seniors in recognition of their contributions to their communities and schools.  To be eligible for the award, students must be in good academic standing and possess the qualities of leadership, service, dependability, good citizenship and patriotism.  In addition, students must complete an essay, “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.” 

At AMHS, the senior class votes on nominees and forwards the names of students who received the most votes to the faculty who then review the criteria and select a winner.  Arlington Principal Kerry Csizmesia congratulated Gunther on his award.  “John is most deserving of this honor.  He has a strong commitment to service and is always willing to help others.” 

An Eagle Scout, Gunther has contributed more than 100 hours of service to several area organizations including the Arlington Fire Department, Arlington Rescue Squad and Arlington Recreation Department.  He has served as a class officer, attended Close Up and Boys’ State and received academic awards for his work in biology and history.  A member of the school’s golf, basketball and cross-country teams, Gunther writes a column on Arlington sports for the Manchester Journal.  After graduation, Gunther plans to pursue a degree in political science.  He is the son of Gary and Donna Gunther of Arlington.

Gunther will read his winning essay at a meeting of the Daughters of the American Revolution Bennington Chapter in April.  His application will then be sent on to the state DAR competition.

            Founded in 1890, the DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education for children. 

For more information about the DAR Good Citizen Award, contact Arlington Guidance Director Dana Bearor at bearord@bvsu.org or 375.2589, ext. 112.  You can visit the AMHS website at www.arlingtonmemorialhs.org.  The Arlington School District mission is to create a safe, caring and respectful environment of academic excellence where students are uniquely challenged to reach their potential at the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 levels.