Every year, Walpole High School’s staff and students select a senior student that possesses strong citizenship and leadership qualities to apply for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizens Award. Once chosen for this award, the student is invited to participate in an essay contest where he or she can qualify for a scholarship. These applicants must write an essay and a personal statement in two hours, and the members from the local chapter of the DAR decide who will receive their scholarships.

   This year, senior Paul Heffernan has been selected as Walpole High School’s recipient of the DAR Good Citizens Award, and the DAR has chosen him to receive a scholarship as well.

   “It is an honor to be selected by my teachers for this award and it feels great to know that my teachers believed that I am a worthy representative of our school for this scholarship opportunity,” said Heffernan.

   The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest was created in 1934 to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. According to their website, “this award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.” Students are selected for this award by their teachers and peers, and only one student may be honored as a school’s DAR Good Citizen.

   “Paul is a kid who always rises to the occasion and seeks out leadership roles, and he is one of the better examples of what this award is for. He is a kid who knows to always do the right thing and help out other kids when needed,” said Mrs. Tobey, who is a member of the DAR.

   After attending a ceremony held by the local chapter for all award recipients from the district, Heffernan received scholarship money as well as awards, including an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol Building earlier in the year. However, the scholarship amount will not be revealed until graduation.

   Due to his achievement at the local level, Heffernan has sent his essay and application off to the state level where he has the chance to win more scholarship money and awards. However, right now, Heffernan is content with his accomplishments thus far.

   “The whole experience has been great, and I am very thankful to have been honored by the DAR,” said Heffernan.