Contributed Photo: DAR Good Citizen Awards for 2019 were recently presented to seniors Dominque Garcia, Brooklyn Kempton, Sajhalena Blasdell, Kristin Cooke, Quinton Turley, McKyla Bartlett, and Shanae Dosela.
Contributed Article/Courtesy DAR
GRAHAM COUNTY – The Gila Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution recently presented the 2019 DAR Good Citizen Award at seven high schools in Graham and Greenlee Counties. One student was chosen from each senior class based on the exceptional ways he or she demonstrated qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. The process for making the selection varied with each school but included school administrators, teachers, counselors and students from the senior class. The honored good citizens are:
Dominique Garcia from Morenci High School demonstrates leadership abilities that her classmates admire and respect. Many times in a classroom setting, she volunteers to assist her peers who need help. As a softball and volleyball player, she mentors the younger players. She consistently demonstrates her ability to rise to any challenge that she must face. Dominique is the daughter of Laura and Daniel Garcia of Morenci.
Brooklyn Kempton from Duncan High School has integrity and determination in everything she is involved in. She is highly dependable; with any given assignment or project, it is guaranteed that she will follow through. She strives for perfection in the classroom and is always willing to help other students along the way. With being the oldest of 5 children, she is a great example for her younger siblings. Brooklyn is the daughter of Shannon and Brandon Kempton of Virden.
Sajhalena Blasdell from Mt. Graham High School puts others before herself and is always willing to help whenever asked, even if it requires going many extra miles. No matter what the situation, she faces it with a tremendous amount of confidence and exuberance. It is her nature to be a caring, kind, friendly, hard working person, who has a strong conviction to do what is right for all concerned. Sajhalena is the daughter of Cory Blasdell of Safford.
Kristin Cocke from Safford High School works incredibly hard, is always prepared, and treats students and staff with a great deal of respectful. This past school year, she was highly involved in extracurricular activities and sports while serving as Senior Class President and Membership Officer of the National Honor Society. She plans to pursue a degree in education in order to help provide better opportunities to the youth of our society as a teacher and softball coach. Kristin is the daughter of Kathy and Clay Cocke of Safford.
Quinton Turley from Thatcher High School is always courteous, respectful and considerate of others in all situations. He can be counted on to follow through with anything he is committed to doing. In sports, he was a leader and humbly worked with those around him to make them better, which in turn made the team better as a whole. He is proud of his country and community. Quinton is the son of Evvie and Dan Turley of Thatcher.
McKyla Bartlett from Pima High School has a genuine and caring concern for others and steps in to help whenever needed. Last summer, she was a school representative for Girls State and from that experience worked with Pima town officials on passing the new hands-free law. She used her leadership skills to serve as student body president during the past school year. In the future, she sees herself reaching out to do good no matter where she is living. McKyla is the daughter of J’Lynn and Kody Bartlett of Pima.
Shanae Dosela from Fort Thomas High School works hard and puts all her energy into everything she does. She is energetic, thoughtful, kind and always willing to help any person in need. Not only is she exceptional as an athlete, a quiet leader, and a scholar but is also genuinely devoted to her family and culture. Shanae is the daughter of Stephanie Titla of Bylas.